EVENT #17: EPULUM - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #17 - Epulum

OOC Plotting Post ⦁ Coordination Post ⦁ Nocwich

Nocwich is familiar territory, having invited the Summoned over a year ago. While Luna and the werewolves are a prominent presence, Ikorr has chosen to keep to itself. That is, until now.

Stamped with Ikorr's signature wax seal, the red-enveloped letters invite you to a grand street festival called Epulum. While the Carnivale itself will take place on FEBRUARY 25, you'll be asked to come one day beforehand to enjoy the sights and prepare for a fantastic night. Food, accommodations, and clothes will be provided. All you have to do is show up.

As the night goes on, however, you'll notice something is afoot. Do you ignore it and continue partying? Or will you find yourself swept up in this unusual mystery?

Players are encouraged to incorporate aspects of the celebration into their investigation threads. Explore the mirror hall while looking for clues or wear a mask to blend in! And if someone's a bit tipsy? Well, let's hope they won't mess up the investigation too terribly.

Please note that the confrontation and choice at the end may temporarily impact the state of Nocwich. Nocwich is not guaranteed to be open in March.

The Carnivale

Each Epulum, Ikorr draws from the Major Arcana to determine what direction the world will take. This year, Epulum is represented by The Tower. Indicating change through chaos, Ikorr believes that The Tower is a sign that it's time for the city to open its doors to the Summoned - even if the decision might cause some strife with Luna.

Shops and stalls will sell accessories with the symbol of The Tower on them, from necklaces to embroidered shawls to hand-inked cards. If you happen to be a Tower yourself, you might be given a small trinket or two for free!

The main celebration will take place on the night of FEBRUARY 25, but characters can explore Ikorr's main streets the evening prior.

Arrival

You'll enter Nocwich as usual, wearing the pendant that allows you through the portal at Oleuni Square. Once there, you'll be given a warming potion to keep out the cold, and a second portal will take you into Ikorr.

Unlike Luna, Ikorr's architecture favors height, stone, and stained glass. Pointed arches stretch towards the stars. You can explore a variety of taverns and shops around the Carnivale area, which has been blocked off for the celebrations. Leaving the checkpoint is possible, but you'll be patted down and examined each time you reenter, so you may not want to come and go too often. Ikorr is taking a bit more care ever since the attacks on the delegates and given the scale of this event, security is fairly tight.

Nonetheless, there's no shortage of things to look at: street vendors, eateries, taverns, art galleries, and more. You'll have a few hours to look around before you retire to your tent.

Getting Ready

Since your stay will only be overnight, Ikorr has set aside one of the massive tents near the Sanguine Promenade for you and your friends. There are no rooms. Every Summoned will be piled under the same tent. You'll have plenty of space, though not much privacy. Maybe you can take the opportunity to make new friends and help each other dress up.

On that note, you must find the right attire. You can bring an outfit or purchase something from the shops, but if you don't want to spend the gold, the tent will have several wardrobe trunks and closets filled with clothes and accessories. You can borrow anything you want for the Carnivale.

You'll have a pretty good idea of what you're expected to wear to blend in since natives around the Promenade will be getting ready at the same time. Outfits are eye-catching , and bolder guests tend to cover very little. Men in particular will forgo a top in favor of wearing little more than strings of beads and crystals. Ikorrans are more lenient with foreigners who don't want to go all-in, but you should make an effort. You've taken the warming potion, haven't you? So the chilly weather is no excuse!

Carnivale Night

Extravagant and over-the-top, the Carnivale is all about excess. Shops and buildings are decorated with colorful flags to match the tents that line the streets. Even the Sentinel Guards have made the effort to add decorations to their uniforms. If your clothes are too understated, someone will come by to drape you with beads and feathers.

The main display is the parade. Competition is fierce for participants, who spend months planning the float, costumes, and magical displays, including pyrotechnics. Some floats have up to a dozen performers while others utilize intense spells to create an unforgettable show. The parade is typically led off with a float dedicated to the chosen Arcana - the Tower for this year.

During the parade, you'll be given some flowers to throw onto your favorite float. At the end of the night, the float covered with the most flowers is crowned the Golden Petal, a title that guarantees them a slot in the next celebration's parade. While Ikorr does its best to keep the competition in good spirits, sabotage has occurred in the past.

Attending Guests

The majority of Ikorr's population are vampires, or Ikorrans. While Oleuni Square sees werewolves and vampires mingle in small degrees, werewolves and vampires don't enter each other's borders, with rare political exceptions. The Draconae from the Nether are frequent visitors to Ikorr. Some settle in Ikorr for years or decades.

A handful of humans are also in attendance since Ikorr extended the invitation to natives of Thorne, the Free Cities, and Solvunn as a courtesy. Lesser-known but notable representatives will observe the event in a diplomatic capacity. They'll stand out a little more, as their outfits won't be as bright or revealing.

Sights & Sounds

As you enter the block, small pieces of glimmering confetti float down from above. Don't try to brush them off - there's no escaping the glitter and shine. You'll quickly realize the only taboo at the Carnivale is to have taboos in the first place. Partiers are here to let loose, and won't take to it kindly if you've come to bring down the mood. If you're shy, the locals are encouraging and will direct you to one of the main festival sections.

◎ Sanguine Promenade

Here, large tents in bright colors fill the walkway. Each tent hosts a different activity: drinking, bathing, gambling, and more intimate desires. The Promenade is illuminated with floating candles that shift colors to match the surroundings. Aphrodisiacs can be obtained upon request. They offer a range of effects from heightened sensitivity to relaxation. Avoid unlabeled foods - you might accidentally take something you didn't want.

A few of the tents will have a wall of colorful masks, each one featuring a different animal: a mouse, a rabbit, a wolf, a bear, a snake. Donning the mask will cause you to take on the physical traits of those animals. Scales emerge along your skin, ears sprout from your head, your nails become claws. You won't gain any special senses or strength. The transformation is strictly visual. It'll fade the moment you take off the mask.

Designed for anonymity so that guests can indulge in more extravagant behaviors without attaching their name, they make for a fairly quick and easy disguise if you need to remain unidentified. Or, you can just have fun with them.

◎ Feasting Quarter

The Feasting Quarter is a glutton's paradise, especially for the Summoned who can dine and drink for free. Enticing smells from vibrant stalls beckon you forward. While typical Ikorran dishes are dainty and petite, the Carnivale brings rich flavors, thick slices of meat and fruit, and overflowing plates. And one can't forget the wines! Blood-free varieties are available. All attendants will receive a special chalice decorated with the Tower. With the chalice, you can go up to any stall and fill your cup as much as you like. You can also buy trinkets and flowers to add to your costume.

As is tradition, samples from a small eatery called Thought For Food are placed on tables around the Quarter. These small candies feature different flavors: spicy, sweet, and sour. The flavors give the effect one might expect (spicy enhances passion, sweet delivers euphoria, and sour induces clarity)...except for you, the effects are reversed. Does it have something to do with being a Summoned? Nobody can say, but the result is the same:

• a spicy morsel will dull all your emotions
• a sweet treat will make you irritable and moody
• a sour candy will cloud your judgment, thereby increasing impulsivity

To your relief, the effects wear off within the hour. Be careful you don't eat one of these while investigating. These candies are also dissolvable. Maybe you can slip a witness a candy to change their mood? Just remember that as native Abraxans, witnesses will experience the proper effects, not the reverse ones!

◎ Blood Moon Ring

The Blood Moon Ring is an arena lit with floating red orbs. No seats are available, so you'll have to crowd around if you want to watch. Sword swallowers, fire jugglers, and other extravagant displays are here to entertain you. Most of it uses illusory magic, but the Ikorrans are hardier than your average human, so some of their stunts are quite real.

At the far end is a hall full of mirrors titled The Unending Face of Madness. The plaque explains an Ikorran artist designed it as a tongue-in-cheek reference to rumors that vampires lack a reflection. It isn't meant to have any mystical properties. Indeed, none of the natives will experience anything unusual - but that isn't so for you. As you navigate the maze of mirrors, your reflections begin to move independently.

When you lean closer, you notice your image bears your Arcana across its chest. Then it begins to transform into the very thing that defines your Arcana Sign as you. Are you an outcast? Too unyielding in your judgement or foolishly hasty with your decisions? Was there an event that shaped who you became? Maybe your features will shift into another individual, or you'll face a past version of yourself at that defining moment in your life. Or, you see yourself as the person you're afraid you might become: a monster or a corrupted ruler. Whatever it is, the mirror will reveal a piece of your soul - not only to you but to anyone else who's in the maze with you.

The Crime

On FEBRUARY 25, the night of the Carnivale Epulum, you notice some oddities afoot a few hours in. Are the guests behaving strangely? Is it a strong instinct you possess? Did somebody tell you that they saw something weird? You should probably investigate in case things go south.

If you think you've solved the mystery, don't be hasty about chasing down the accused! Instead, bring your suspicions to Celeste. She'll decide who to apprehend based on all sets of accusations. Her temporary office is near the celebrations. You can't meet with her directly, but you can drop off the details with her secretary.

Characters should REPORT to Celeste rather than pursuing the suspect themselves. This is to avoid conflicting scenarios as to how and when the culprit is caught. The culprit will be one of the four Witnesses described under Investigating.

Rising Suspicions

Your suspicions might arise from one of the three scenarios below. Each scenario will lead you to the same information outlined under The Missing Artifact. You might be on your own, or you may be with a friend. Of course, you can also learn the details secondhand from someone you know.

Players can incorporate the information provided to flavor their threads and are welcome to take control (within reason) of the NPCs involved in these scenarios. If you have any questions about specific responses or behaviors, use the MOD CONTACT section.

If your character is inclined to announce the full details to everyone immediately, we recommend delaying their in-game discovery time a little. This will allow other player characters to engage in the discovery scenarios before they learn everything over the Network!

Scenario #1: Sentinel Guards

There's been a sudden increase in Sentinels, Ikorr's guarding force, around the perimeter of the street party. Approaching them, you learn that they won't let you leave. It's a matter of safety, you understand. They promise you everything should be sorted by morning. If you're polite and question them further, they'll admit that a thief has struck the vaults. Though they can't disclose anything else, they'll direct you to their Deputy Sentinel, Soraya Moran. Speaking to her, the deputy will tell you it's unorthodox to involve an outsider, but due to the emergency, she'll make an exception.

Scenario #2: Angry Guest

A distressed woman wanders the promenade in tears. She declares she's barricaded from retrieving her jewels in the vault and that her costume for the parade is now ruined. If you can calm her long enough to talk to her, she'll tell you that the Vault Guardians have sealed off the vaults to everyone, even esteemed patrons. Visiting the Vault Guardians, you learn that there's been a theft in the area. While they don't usually divulge the vault's precious contents, they admit they could use the help from a Summoned, given the potential consequences.

Scenario #3: Abandoned Skulls

Throughout the street festival, you can find several lost skulls from someone's costume. You might recognize it from the Drowning Maiden who went by during the parade...except the float and its massive tank never finished the circuit. When you locate the prop's owner (it is just a prop, right?), you realize why: the soaking wet maiden, now out of her costume, sits beside the defunct float with its cracked tank. Upset, she insists that someone must've tampered with the tank. Have you heard of the theft in the vaults? She's sure the thief did something to her tank to cause the distraction. She directs you to Ikorr's Deputy Sentinel, Soraya Moran. Speaking to her, the deputy will confirm the theft. While it's unorthodox to involve an outsider, due to the emergency, she'll make an exception.

The Missing Artifact

Whether you speak to the Deputy Sentinel or the Vault Guardians, they'll tell you the same thing: that the item stolen is of critical importance and extremely dangerous if not contained. Historically, Ikorr's secured vaults have never been broken into, so this is an unprecedented situation. Officials suspect more nefarious forces are at play.

Ikorr will stress that the goal is to recover the artifact undamaged so that it can be safely locked away again. While characters will be faced with the decision to destroy or preserve it at the end of the night, they will not know that this is a potential option until after the artifact is recovered and Luna has made its stand.

Further questioning will reveal the following details:

◎ While the item itself is, of course, gone, you can take a look at a painting of it located in the public art gallery directly above where the vaults are secured. Called the Twin Latchkeys, its origins are unknown, but its appearance is unlike other artifacts in Abraxas. The vivid paint is well-preserved despite the passing of time. When the blades taste blood, the user becomes a conduit for great power.

◎ Inside the vault, next to the missing artifact, is an ancient headless torso fossilized in stone. Its chest has been split open and folded back - like two doors opening. The Sentinels explain that this is the last known user of the daggers. While the specimen holds no relevant clues, seeing the consequences for yourself might spur you to action.

◎ The vault shows no signs of forced entry. The powerful wards aren't broken at all. The Sentinels claim this can only be possible if the ward were taken down, then erected back up, something that would require an unusual amount of magic.

◎ From the Sentinels, you can learn the names of key Witnesses as outlined below. They'll also point out that the Vaults and the gallery above are a good place to start. The dressing room at the Blood Moon Ring may have experts in lesser-known magic, as well as somebody who might know what really happened with the tank and the Drowning Maiden. The Sanguine Promenade is ideal for eavesdropping, where talk flows freely. Finally, the Feasting Quarter has shopkeepers who're privy to all manner of gossip.

Investigating

The Sentinels can suggest some key names (Witnesses) or locations (Scenes) to help you get started. Examining a witness or scene will lead you to Evidence that you can investigate further or add to your notes. You won't find evidence unless you look around first. There are no strict limitations on how much you can do or examine at a time, but keep in mind you'll be working with others - so it might be a good idea to delegate and share the load!

Keep your focus on the noted evidence and witnesses. You're welcome to go off track, but you're unlikely to uncover anything useful. Ikorr officials will suggest you take a partner in case you run into any danger. Try your best to be discreet. While you can use the authority Ikorr bestowed on you to get information, making it known you're investigating may result in witnesses being less cooperative. The choice is yours!

Characters can investigate or interact with any of the points provided below. Interactions can be accidental if your character wouldn't get involved on their own. Further, the Horizon is available for coordinating evidence, recreating crime scenes, and more.

Images are purely references for visualization. All necessary information will be in the text. You can explore what you like for CR purposes, but only the items listed below will help you solve the mystery. Forms are available in the body of the Coordination Post itself.

Witnesses

Each witness has an assigned location. They won't stray from there, so they'll be easy to find if you need to see them again. You can either talk to or spy on an individual. The higher your rank, the more trouble you'll have spying. Try your abilities or look to the Carnivale Night Sights & Sounds to see what you can use. Any one of these witnesses can become a suspect. Be careful! Delivering unsubstantiated accusations to Celeste can lead the real culprit to escape.

Babis ◎ Interact
Sanguine Promenade

Bright-eyed and earnest, Babis has traveled to Ikorr to celebrate his 20th birthday. Despite his youth, he's a talented blacksmith seeking to hone his craft and expand his horizons outside the Nether. He has a record of theft for stealing an expensive wine, demonstrating his impressive lock-picking skills. Security claim they saw him in the gallery above the vault at the time of the theft - unusual, since most of the crowd would've gathered outside for the parade by then. They'll also note that he viewed the painting of the Twin Latchkeys frequently, returning to it over and over. The other witnesses may know more about him...or you might want to follow him first to see what he's up to.

Retha Zelpha (Firewing) ◎ Interact
Blood Moon Ring

Retha Zelpha is an Ikorran performer for the Blood Moon Ring. A well-respected figurehead for the event, Retha knows anyone and everyone who takes part in the performances - both past and present. A skilled ventriloquist, she sometimes speaks through her bird, named Firewing. Confusingly, "Firewing" is also Retha's stage name, leading to rumors that Retha and the bird are the same individual. You can find her looking after the performers or resting in her dressing room. Or, if you have good timing, you can catch her after one of her impressive acrobatic displays, where she soars nearly as high as Firewing (the bird). As with many in the entertainment business, she has a fair number of rivals...and a history of being vengeful.

Soraya Moran ◎ Interact
The Vault

Soraya Moran has been a Sentinel her entire life. Young by Ikorran standards, she was promoted to Deputy six years ago. Soraya is most informed about the vaults: its history, access records, information about the wards, and security protocols. While she was once a common sight during late nights, the past year has seen her take more time to herself ever since she began dating Marcellus Ver, the famous chef. Or, that was the case. In the month leading up to the festival, Soraya began taking extra shifts guarding the vault, which her colleagues find odd. What happened to all her talk of finally settling down? Gossip around the blood cooler is that her relationship with Marcellus was growing turbulent, causing her to avoid her home life by throwing herself back into work - but it's equally possible there's more to it.

Marcellus Ver ◎ Interact
Feasting Quarter

Marcellus Ver is a talented chef who's become a wealthy businessman and landowner. He made his name on his signature wine, the coveted Dusk Rose, an expensive vintage that uses a secret ingredient. The wine isn't available to the public. Marcellus sells it to an exclusive clientele list. He has a hand in nearly every shop established in the Feasting Quarter. Despite his considerable riches, his generosity is well-known, as well as his support for the arts. Coupled with his charms, Marcellus is a popular figure in Ikorr. He can often be found sampling the food and wine around the Feasting Quarter to make sure they're up to standard for the guests - and his name. If you need to know who to talk to for information on a particular subject, he can likely point you to the right shopkeeper. Of course, you may have to wonder, is his reputation just a little too spotless?

Scenes

You can investigate these locations below for any reason. Maybe you think it's a good idea to begin somewhere, or you spoke to someone who gave you the lead. While you can explore the broader area, it's best to narrow your focus to one of the key aspects (denoted with an underline). Any one of these scenes can contain evidence, which you can pursue further in the Evidence section below.

The Vaults ◎ Interact
Vault/Gallery

Underneath the art gallery, you can find the vaults, now sealed off by a team of Vault Guardians. Supervising them is Deputy Sentinel Soraya Moran, who'll guide you around the crime scene. There are two key sections you might want to examine: the warding that surrounds the vaults and the blood signature used to seal the artifact inside its (now empty) case. You can also look upstairs and speak to the gallery security guards, who keep an eye on the public artworks. Many of Ikorr's important figures keep their valuables in these vaults, too, but you'll need a good reason first to go through someone else's private vault.

Dressing Room ◎ Interact
Blood Moon Ring

You can find several dressing rooms at the Blood Moon Ring, but one locked door stands out: while the area is busy with performers coming and going, no one seems to be using this particular room. To gain access, you'll need to bypass the lock using your magic or skills. Having a special lockpick may help. If you've heard of a certain Draconae thief, you can try seeing if he'll lend you a hand. Or, you can go at it yourself. Sneaking risks getting caught, but it'll get you in and out much quicker. However, should you get on Retha Zepha's good side, she'll let you in to look around without trouble. Once inside, you can examine one of the following: the closets and dressers, the vanity table, and a wall decorated with paintings.

Merchant Stalls ◎ Interact
Feasting Quarter

The Feasting Quarter includes the famous Sun Petal, a flower stall run by an expert botanist who could know a thing or two about unusual plants. Another wine merchant is rumored to possess a bottle or two of the Dusk Rose vintage. They aren't advertising this fact, though, so you'll need to eavesdrop or ask a witness who might know about wines. Of course, it'll help if you can explain why you're so interested in either information. If you'd rather look around, you can examine one of the following: the storage area behind the merchant stalls and the carts of food samples.

Bathing Tent ◎ Interact
Sanguine Promenade

This is where the Ikorrans go to have a dip in the heated pool. If you want to talk to anyone discreetly, you'll also have to strip down and don one of the disguising masks to blend in. If you show up fully clothed or unmasked, you'll draw more attention to the investigation. There's no right or wrong way to do it! Being upfront will give you the authority to look where you want, but folks will be unhappy. Discretion will keep everyone none the wiser. Once inside, you can examine one of the following: a series of locked trunks where people store their belongings (located behind a curtain), a sauna that's mysteriously out of commission, and the lost and found barrels. If you've chosen to go undercover, make sure you use a distraction or keep watch so no one catches you rummaging where you shouldn't.

Evidence

Evidence can only be examined after it's found. You can find a piece of evidence by investigating a Scene or a Witness above. For simplicity, there are three "types" of evidence. However, there are multiple items of each type - so don't worry if someone else has already "taken" one of the evidence items. Keep investigating, and you might find something of your own. For example, you may find a third or fourth letter that previous others didn't.

Letters & Records ◎ Interact
Unknown

Important letters and other records can be found in the various scenes you explore. Once you have one, you can examine it in detail, cross-reference it with other letters or records, or use the information you learn to return to a Witness to pursue a new line of questioning.

Leather Sachets ◎ Interact
Unknown

These unusual leather sachets will surface around the Carnivale area. You're likely to find one hidden in an unexpected place, though it's possible one of the locals will have found one, too. Be sure to examine its contents closely, and compare what you find inside to other sachets that show up. There doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason as to where one is located. In fact, you might not even be investigating on purpose when you stumble across it.

Blood Signature ◎ Interact
Unknown

You'll be informed that of the authorized personnel who have access to the Twin Latchkeys, none of them match the blood signature used. As a result, it'll be up to you to search for a match. You'll have the best luck if you focus on one of the four Witnesses. To find a match, you'll need to obtain the person's hair, saliva, or blood. How you accomplish this is up to you! If you're positive someone's innocent, you can request they hand a sample over to clear their name. However, you'll risk alerting the culprit if you target the wrong person or are caught stealing a sample.

The Confrontation

Fortunately, whether or not the culprit is identified, Ikorr will recover the missing artifact. The Sentinels will notify all of the Summoned about the news, even if they weren't involved in the investigation, and will request everyone gather in Celeste's office.

There appears to be a small hiccup, however: due to the Twin Latchkeys going missing, Luna has caught wind that Ikorr possesses the object, and they've come to do something about it.

Brewing Tensions

Luna is demanding the artifact be destroyed rather than returned to the vaults. They've sent one of their own, though the werewolf who arrives is not the one some may have grown familiar with. Accompanied by only two guards, Thyra, a member of the Circle, is here to deliver a message that if Ikorr won't give up the artifact, the vampires could very well disrupt the tenuous peace built over the past two years. Naturally, Ikorr holds similar sentiments should the Lunae refuse to leave Ikorr's borders.

◎ IKORR claims that destroying the artifact will risk unleashing a dangerous unknown power. Keeping it contained is the only surefire way to keep everyone safe. Ikorr's vaults haven't been breached in thousands of years, and they don't foresee this happening again.

◎ LUNA claims that containing the artifact will risk that power escaping in the future. Destroying it is the only surefire way to keep everyone safe. It only takes one misstep for something to go wrong, as tonight demonstrated.

With how involved the Summoned have been in Nocwich and the measure of respect some of you have gained, a few eyes turn to you for answers. Most of Ikorr's Sentinels want to go home without starting a war. Other Summoned may feel the same. Thyra and her guards don't appear interested in conflict, either, but they firmly believe the world is threatened by the existence of this object and will do what it takes.

Tensions aren't just between Ikorr and Luna. There are the other Summoned to consider. With so many of you gathered together, and emotions running high, you might find yourself in the middle of more than one conflict or arguing with your friends.

Taking Action (or Not)

For some of you, the choice is easy. For others, you might feel conflicted. Do you help? If so, whose side do you take, if anyone's? You won't have a lot of time to decide while tensions rapidly mount. Either option poses a risk: you can't take it back if you accidentally release the dark force inside the artifact, but nor can you predict if or when that force could escape on its own somehow.

And if you don't want to get involved? Nobody could blame you for stepping aside to let Ikorr and Luna resolve their centuries-old conflict. In fact, neither Luna nor Ikorr will explicitly ask you to intervene. They're more than ready to take matters into their own hands, and they understand you aren't responsible for Nocwich's politics. But they are willing to hear you out if you have something to say. You get the sense that you're the only person they'll listen to.

Still, you wonder if you're letting all the importance bestowed on you as a Summoned get to your head. Or maybe you don't wonder anything. Maybe you're acting just to keep things from spiraling out of control, or you're positive you have to save these people from themselves - and protect your friends, too. You've seen firsthand the kind of havoc that can occur with untested powers. What if this artifact disturbs the Singularity or worse? You certainly don't want a war (do you?)

No matter what you do next, you'll leave your mark behind. Will your meddling make things worse? Or will you walk away only to discover you should've made a stand?

No vote will take place in-game, but OOC, players will SUBMIT THEIR DECISION as a vote. The deadline is March 3 at 11:59 ET.

Each character can have a vote as long as you can link a thread of them participating in the event. You can side with Ikorr, Luna, or Abstain. All three choices will carry consequences. You can also use the Coordination Post to play out any rapid IC exchanges while everyone is gathered together.

---

Comments

[techmaturgy]

Like--

[Somehow, the thought that he might have subconsciously chosen the mask of a creature like Rio is more embarrassing than the actual transformation that's resulted. Kyle seems to be enjoying this, at least, and Viktor is unsure of what to do with this information, even as he finds himself involuntarily captivated by the mask-swapping--the way Kyle's hair unfurls into feathers and his eyes change color.

He might like to study this magic, given the chance. Right now, however, Kyle has both alerted him to an additional foreign feeling and managed to completely blindside him with what is probably the worst request in the entire world.]

Absolutely not!

[He says, with a hand over his mouth, when it would probably just be easier to take the mask off and be through with this entirely.]

[ushiri]

[ It doesn't occur to Kahlil that this is something to be embarrassed for. Viktor's attachment to a very large pink-ish amphibian was not something he would have suspected, but it is another oddly endearing thing about the man.

His eyes widen in mock surprise at the clear refusal, and he's still grinning, his now-yellow eyes flashing with amusement. ]

Fine. But you look!

[ He nudges Viktor's shoulder with one hand, turning him toward one of the small hand mirrors hung up on the wall to see both their reflections.

He said for Viktor to look, but it's obviously he's still waiting to see too. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor keeps his free hand clamped over his mouth, even as Kyle nudges him towards a mirror. He doesn't need to look, because he can most certainly feel it, especially now that Kyle has brought it to his attention. Perhaps if he wasn't being hovered over, he'd take the plunge sooner, but for now he tries to bodily withdraw.

The motion, however, is halfhearted, because despite his embarrassment he's curious by nature. After moment he allows himself to be pushed towards the mirrors, but he looks at Kyle suspiciously, as if he isn't sure whether it's the situation that's amusing to him, or if he's being laughed at.

He does his best to keep Kyle from viewing his reflection as he ventures a look, curving his body away from him and balances his crutch precariously under his arm so that he can hold the mirror towards himself and use it as a barrier. From behind it, Viktor briefly removes the hand covering his mouth.]

It's disgusting. Since you wanted to know so badly.

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil does try to peek, but not with as much effort as Viktor puts into hiding - so he does not get to see whatever's happening in the other man's mouth, to his mild disappointment. That remark gets a light, disbelieving scoff, more amused than anything else. Both eyebrows raise. ]

Oh, because if it were the other way around you wouldn't be curious to see in mine?

[ Come on now. But he laughs, a breathy sound, and shakes his head. Viktor is too easy to tease, and Kahlil doesn't want to actually annoy him. He takes off the hawk mask, placing it back on the wall and pulling back his hair again, the feathers having quickly vanished. His eyes return to their normal shade of deep brown, and he reaches for the wolf mask again. ]

[techmaturgy]

It wouldn't be the other way around, because you'd want to show me. [Whether Viktor wanted to see it or not.] I wouldn't even have to ask.

[He finally pulls the mask off his face and gestures to the one Kyle is currently holding, as if to make his point. Just minutes ago Kyle was proudly showing off his fangs, after all.]

I am intrigued in the sense that I'd like to know what sort of magic this is. In practice, ehhnn...

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil rolls his eyes, removing the wolf mask to gently toss it to Viktor - and reaching for the strange amphibian mask. He sticks that to his face. ]

It's not so different from the Feywild enchantments. [ In function, if not the source of power. ] Not that you should mention it to them.

[ He does stick his now elongated, purple tongue out at Viktor with a funny grimace - because he regrets doing it almost immediately. But barely missing a beat Kahlil spins on a heel and starts walking down the promenade again, trying to ignore the damp feeling down his neck where the splotches must've formed.

Viktor can follow or not, he's off to see the performances. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor one-handedly fumbles the wolf mask, frowning a little as he manages to get a handle on it before it reaches the floor, holding it close to his chest. He carefully hangs it back up, then glances back over at Kyle just in time to see...that.]

Eugh.

[Pleased as he is to be proven right (that Kyle would want to show him, regardless of whether Viktor asked or not), the sight of it is slightly unpleasant, and he does not bother to hide his reaction. Viktor ponders another, briefly, only to look up again and find that Kyle is already on to the next thing. He snatches a mask off the rack and follows after him, hoping that he will, at least, give him a chance to catch up.]

[ushiri]

[ Hearing Viktor's uneven, crutch-assisted gait coming from behind, he automatically slows down, offering him a kind of funny look, lifting the mask so that it sits just above his forehead and letting the uncomfortable enchantments fade so he can talk. ]

I wondered if you might spend the whole party in your pillow-cave.

[ He had taken note of it. He has a list of people he keeps tabs on during these outings, in case things go awry. Kahlil does not particularly like sleeping in a single giant tent where they are all conveniently gathered up, and did not actually do much sleeping. ]

I'm glad you didn't.

[ A roar of cheers erupts from the Blood Moon Ring, but all he can see so far is a burst of flames. He keeps walking. ]

[techmaturgy]

I thought about it.

[This is all very much not his scene, and it's probably not hard to get the idea that most of Viktor's adult life was spent avoiding festivities like this. Still, he's curious by nature, interested in the vampires, and likes the chance to see other Summoned in person, so it was only a matter of time before he emerged.

He can't say it isn't tempting to make an escape, but when Kyle says he's glad that Viktor is here, he's not quite sure what to make of it. A few more steps puts him side-by-side with Kyle, and though he doesn't say as much, he appreciates the slowing of their pace.]

Is that your destination?

[The cheering, and the pyrotechnics.]

[ushiri]

[ He turns to glance at Viktor, frowning for a moment, then gives a nonchalant shrug. ]

It was, but I don't feel like fighting through a crowd. [ He assumes, right or wrong, that it would be difficult for Viktor to follow him closer to the performers if they have to go through a wall of bodies - and it does seem like Viktor's sticking with him, at least for now. ]

Maybe it thins out farther down.

[ He keeps walking, matching Viktor's pace and in no particular rush. Closer to the arena there are signs announcing something called The Unending Face of Madness. Ominous.

Less (or more) ominous is the man walking in the other direction, wearing nothing but a crown of feathers and a sparkling sock. ]

[techmaturgy]

I could clear a path.

[He taps Kyle's leg gently with the foot of his crutch, demonstrating the method by which he might do so--whacking shins. Viktor will not begin to enact this on the throng of people without Kyle's permission, but he sees nothing wrong with this, if seeing the performance is what Kyle wants to do.

It's possible he's done this before, and has no qualms about it, but he understands that Kyle might not want to be an accomplice. For now, they keep walking. Viktor eyes the sign, then very obviously averts his gaze from the performer.]

Unless you consider this enough of a show.

[ushiri]

[ Kyle's head is on a swivel, following the nearly nude figure long enough to get a wink from him. Almost doesn't notice to tap of the crutch against his leg, and he blinks at Viktor, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his features. ]

I - no, uh - just feeling overdressed all of a sudden...

[ He pulls the mask over his face again, glancing down at the crutch. Seemingly recovered from that little hiccup, he counters in a wry tone (and with a purple tongue): ]

I kind of would like to see you knock people around with that.

[techmaturgy]

[Despite the fact that Viktor mostly averts his gaze from the sock-clad vampire, Kyle's prolonged stare doesn't necessarily go unnoticed. They make it out of the interaction unscathed, though he gets the sense that Kyle must feel a degree or two hotter than just a moment ago.]

You could always go back to the tent and change.

[Viktor will not necessarily be waiting for him when he gets back, though. He is glad to hear that his little joke has landed, though of course now he has to actually consider the return on investment, if he is to commit. Viktor runs the calculations, and shakes his head.]

Maybe later. Let's find somewhere less crowded.

[There's some kind of exhibit hall, or something, up ahead, and that seems a bit less overwhelming than trying to violence his way through a throng of people that might react poorly to such a thing. He can only play it off as an accident so many times.]

[ushiri]

[ Behind the mask he raises both eyebrows, and laughs. ]

I could, but would you still want to be seen with me if I walked out in nothing but a piece of sparkling tissue paper?

[ It's not a serious question, obviously. Despite all the scars, though, he's not particularly ashamed of his body. He'd at least look as good as their friend in the sock, or so his ego tells him.

Even though he's making an attempt not to be, there's still something a little flirtatious in his gaze that slips through. A little bit of wanting - ruined most likely by the strange mask and its visual effects, but there all the same for a half second.

Disappointed as he may be to not get to see Viktor thwack some people, he nods to the suggestion they keep moving on, which heads them toward the ominous sounding mirror exhibit. No one appears to be running away screaming in madness from that direction, at least. ]

[techmaturgy]

Hm. Maybe not.

[Hence his unspoken thought that if Kyle goes to change, Viktor will simply vanish. If he notices the way Kyle looks at him, briefly, he doesn't make it known--he could be oblivious, or the expression could be lost behind the mask. He does seem to remember that he's holding one of his own (a fox, maybe), though he doesn't go so far as to put it on.

Instead, his attention is on their new destination, the signs as they approach designating it as some kind of mirror installation. A sufficient enough diversion, he supposes, though Viktor is still not really one for carnivals.

The crowd thins out, at least, which he should be thankful for (even if it means he won't get to whack anyone), and he looks at Kyle expectantly.]

Should we go inside?

[ushiri]

Maybe not... [ he repeats playfully, with emphasis on maybe like it means anything significant - but the exhibit is ahead, and he meets Viktor's question with a small nod, briefly distracted by the explanation on the plaque before they enter. Before coming to Abraxas he didn't know much about vampires, or rumors about them not have reflections.

As they step through the threshold and into the hall, he expects... something? The plaque had mentioned any enchantments, the implication there that this would be a mundane experience. He stares at his own reflection for a long moment, finally seeing himself in the strange mask. He gingerly touches the dark patches on his neck and turns to Viktor, nodding at the mask he's holding: ]

I think we should trade again.

[ His reflection doesn't follow his movement. ]

[techmaturgy]

Suit yourself.

[Viktor doesn't really like any of the masks, but he can't really blame Kyle for wanting to unload a damp, slimy one. It's probably much more pleasant to have fuzzy little fox ears, or something, though Viktor has made it clear he'd rather not wear any at all. Still, he'll take the mystery lizard mask back, handing Kyle's his in turn.

It's enough of a distraction that he doesn't notice the mirrors right away, but considering they're surrounded, it's only a moment before the blue light gets his attention. Viktor's motions match his reflection, but the figure in the mirror is unbound by gravity, motes of arcane energy drifting lazily in the frame. He watches, for a moment, lips parted as if to speak, but he doesn't say anything right away.

He's not quite sure what it means, but the glowing arcana symbol in his reflection likely has something to do with it.]

Can you see this?

[That seems like the first, most pertinent question to ask--to make sure it's not in his head.]

if this works!

[ushiri]

[ He takes the fox mask, which he might've once mistaken for the weasel-like ganal of his home world. If he thought the mask would start making him lay eggs like a ganal, he might've kept the wet lizard one instead.

Kahlil doesn't immediately put it on anyway, he's distracted by the soft blue light emanating from the one mirror. His brow furrows at Viktor's floating reflection - the exhibit had claimed there wasn't meant to be anything special about these mirrors. ]

Yes. [ he confirms after a pause, his gaze fixing on the symbol of the Death arcana that belongs to Viktor. He turns to look at the mirror directly in front of himself, expecting with some apprehension to see something similar happening to his own reflection.

It's not his own face that greets him.

The figure is seems to shift in and out of focus, stable for only a few seconds at a time. His height stays relatively the same: Kahlil is tall, but this man could stand over him by at least a few more inches. His hair is always blonde, his eyes blue. He's relatively young, maybe in his early twenties with a strong build, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. He stares back at Kahlil with a quiet curiosity. Then the reflection loses focus, and when it fixes itself it's like an entirely different man - dressed in a patchwork of worn, dirty Nayeshi outerwear and dried ganal leathers. He's much thinner, his face sunken in and the effects of harsh winter exposure turning his skin red and cracked in places. The reflection shifts again - healthier now and close to his original weight, his hair longer and with a single braid, this time he's wearing the robes of a low ranking ushvun - a priest. Another shift, and he's in the red garb of the Fai'daum and carrying a rifle - a soldier, dirt and blood splattered across his face. Memories that aren't his own try to push through to the forefront against his will, battering him.

And then, finally, it is Jath'ibaye staring at him - dressed in the red robes of his rebels, aged by the weight in his expression. This version seems to tower over all the others without any actual change in his height. His eyes are red and feverish like the night in his chambers. The symbol of the Hanged Man pulses on his chest.

Kahlil takes an involuntary step back, the silly fox mask fallen from his hand to the floor, and his face blanched. He looks like he might either throw up or bolt. ]

yaaa

[techmaturgy]

[Kyle confirms fairly quickly that this is not just a figment of Viktor's imagination. Strange, and perhaps alarming, considering that there was no indication that the mirrors had any special properties. He wonders if the locals know about this, or if this is the Singularity's meddling. Why now, of all times, and what does any of this have to do with his arcana symbol?

It's difficult to tear his own gaze away, but Kyle is close enough that Viktor can see the other mirror in his periphery, and when it starts to change he can't help but look. He knows, as he watches, that he's not supposed to be seeing this, but his curiosity gets the better of him. Viktor feels, often, like he's told Kyle so much of his own past, and knows so little about Kyle's, in comparison. Of course he jumps at the chance to learn more, even if it's involuntarily offered.

Viktor watches, even though he shouldn't. The sound of the mask falling to the ground barely registers, though the way Kyle recoils certainly does. He has to stop himself from reaching out as if to reflexively steady him, and Viktor's mind helpfully outpaces his body, reminding him that Kyle doesn't need it--and more importantly, probably doesn't want it. It might just make it worse.]

Who is that?

[He asks anyway, though he thinks he already knows.]

[ushiri]

[ On the other side of the mirror the ground shakes, ripping apart beneath Jath'ibaye's feet. Behind him a storm tears through the sky. A trio of buildings are drawn together by some unseen force, twisting and shattering and crumbling into each other. Debris whips by Jath'ibaye's form, causing small injuries that heal almost immediately. It's difficult to tell whether this man's expression is one of rage, or of mourning.

Kahlil swallows dryly, answering without thought for who asked. You are the divine wrath, my most holy lord. His voice carries a reverent dread: ]

Jath'ibaye. The Rifter.

[ The question sounds like it comes from much farther away than someone standing next to him, and when he turns his head to see Viktor right there his expression momentarily twists with confusion and genuine fear. His face is still pale, and he takes another step back, whirling around to face the other mirrors, seeking.

The Rifter's form can no longer be found in any of them. Kahlil's heart remains hammering in his chest. A hand lifts to touch the place where the yasi'halaun had pierced him his abdomen, feeding on his blood and devouring his spirit. A phantom ache. The Prayerscars on his hands and eyelids have reappeared without his conscious bidding, along with the long scar the splits his mouth. ]

[techmaturgy]

[The Rifter, Kyle's god. Viktor isn't sure that what's in the mirror is anything that actually happened, but with Kyle's reaction it doesn't seem to matter. The whole story has been difficult to piece together--how much time Kyle knew him as a god as opposed to a man is unclear, but he certainly looks like a god now, if Viktor believed in such things. He might be a little awed himself, though without the personal attachment to the situation, does not react with the same amount of fear.

That fear seems more important than anything Viktor could possibly learn from watching the reflection, and when Kyle bodily removes himself from the mirror, he's quick to try and close the distance between them, reaching out for Kyle's arm with the hope that it will ground him--remind him that it's not real.]

I'm sorry. We shouldn't have come here. I can--we can go.

[Curious as he is about what's happening here and about Kyle's past, he's now and intruder. It seems best to try and remove them both from the situation, before he sees any more.]

[ushiri]

[ Rathal'pesha, Umbhra'ibaye, and the Black Tower had all been destroyed by Jath'ibaye nearly two decades before Kahlil found himself back in Basawar. He could not say if it looked exactly like it did in the reflection - Ravishan's memories offer him nothing from that time, and he's long since suspected the reason for that.

The touch to his arm draws his attention back to Viktor, reminding him he's not the only one here. Confusion shifts to shame before he can bury it completely beneath an expression that just looks pained. He's not certain what Viktor's apologizing for, but he slowly nods to the suggestion that they leave, his anxiously gaze sliding from mirror to mirror. It could be interpreted as fear.

Now, though, he notices the Prayerscars on the back of his hands, and realizes dully that his face must be marked the same. He tries to banish them, but like the night at the Lunae bonfire when he first realized he had been giving this face back, he can't focus properly to will them away. There are the sounds of the carnival outside this hall, the pounding of blood between his ears, the embarrassment of someone seeing him react in such a way to what - a carnival trick? ]

I need to sit. Somewhere quiet. [ he manages in a steady voice, avoiding Viktor's gaze as he starts walking. There's already color returning to his face. ]

You can ask whatever you want.

[ He won't lie. Obfuscate, probably, that will be for John's safety should he ever arrive here. Kahlil could never hope for such a thing, but it's technically possible. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Somewhere quiet is likely a tall order, given their surroundings, but if bothered or otherwise confronted, Viktor can always make the argument that they were seeking some privacy. It wouldn't be a lie, though his definition of privacy might differ from what the general partygoer might assume.

Viktor drop his hand, suddenly aware that he had Kyle by the arm. Unusual, for him, but perhaps this is a special circumstance, and reflects some of the urgency to leave. It only lasts a moment, as Kyle quickly outpaces him and Viktor does his best to keep up. Once they leave the exhibit, he motions to head around the side of it, hoping for some kind of semi-backstage area that might suit their purposes.

Kyle says Viktor can ask whatever he wants just as he locates a bench, tucked away between the outside wall of the exhibit and a small-ish ornamental tree. Good enough, though given freedom to start the line of inquiry, Viktor isn't quite sure what to ask first. The possibility of answers isn't at all satisfying, not when Kyle seems so rattled.

Still, he knows not to squander an opportunity.]

Is that...how you knew him? [He thinks, again, of the apartment. How it felt like a home, in stark contrast to everything Viktor just saw in the mirror.] As a god?

i'm sorry for this wall of text

[ushiri]

[ It's good enough. He follows Viktor to the bench and sits hunched, head bowed as he runs a hand through his hair. From here the voices of the other revelers are mostly an incomprehensible hum interrupted by sharp laughter now and then.

Viktor takes just long enough to say something that Kahlil thinks maybe they will just sit here in silence. When he does ask his question he shoots him a funny look, as though Viktor's started speaking in a foreign language. ]

No.

[ He scowls, shifting his gaze to the backs of his hands where they rest over his knees. A pair of eyes, one tattooed on the back of each hand stare back at him. Viktor might think he doesn't know much about Kahlil's past, but Kahlil feels as though he's revealed an inordinate amount. His failed mission, his mishap with time and space, the memories that aren't his own. The last real conversation he had with Jath'ibaye. ]

I was sent to find him in Nayeshi - on Earth. There, he was just a boy. [ Human, seems to be the implication. His scowl fades with an exhale. Where there was fear before, he speaks more gently now, a sad fondness to his words. ]

He didn't know what he was, or his power. He - loved to read. He was kind, even though others weren't always so kind to him. He wasn't given any special treatment, he paid for college, housing and every other bill by himself. He always wanted to study ecology, he knew the name of every bird, plant and rock. He was loyal to a sports team so terrible I sometimes thought he must be a masochist...

[ he stops himself before he just keeps going, and slowly shakes his head. ]

I wasn't supposed to have contact with him. I didn't, for years. [ He waited and watched. ] I never should have.

[ He expects whatever small amount of sympathy Viktor might've felt just moments ago has likely evaporated. However much affection Kahlil held for John, he was sent there to abduct or kill him. ]

The Rifter is only brought to Basawar to be used as a weapon, then destroyed. Everything that happened to him between the last time I saw him in Nayeshi and the first time I saw him in Basawar... the way you saw him in the mirror... that's part of the other one's memories.

[ The other version of him. He expects this is the part that Viktor cares most about, if he cares about any of it. The existence of these timelines. ]

[techmaturgy]

[The bench is, thankfully, large enough that Viktor does not impose on Kyle's space, something he's glad for when removing themselves from the situation doesn't seem to alleviate the distress. Still, he watches and listens, even as he knows how difficult this must be.

He recognizes the fondness in Kyle's voice, the fondness that exists against all odds. Viktor recognizes it because he feels it too--the inescapable magnetism of someone like John. Someone who is strong, and kind, and capable of great harm in spite of that. Feeling a responsibility for that particular brand of destruction, even if he wasn't the one to enact it, because maybe if he'd tried harder or done things a certain way or avoided his own mistakes, things could have been different.

Viktor already has the sense that Kyle loved this man, even though he should not have, or believes he should not have. He himself might not have loved a god, but he knows what this feels like. That's what he listens to, here, not the reminder that Kyle has two sets of memories or the fact that he traversed between worlds.]

I know that you cared for him. [That much is obvious, and there's sympathy in Viktor's voice.] Do you mean to say there is a timeline where he did not...awaken, to his powers?

[Or was what he saw in the mirror simply inevitable?]