March open

[inthenameofhades]

Who: Zagreus and you!
When: After the Eplum event
Where: Horizon (& Zagreus's Domain specifically)
What: Zagreus finally visits Horizon
Warnings: NA

Immediately upon his arrival to Horizon, Zagreus's appearance had altered to align much more closely to how he appeared at home: red and black exomis adorned with three canine skulls on one shoulder, a belt made of more skulls, arms adorned with golden bands. And around his head a crown of fiery, ever-burning laurels. The only difference was the now the symbol of the Chariot had been etched into the metal greaves he wore above his fiery feet.

Driven by the compulsion to create, he had also swiftly begun construction of his Domain: a space for which the most immediately notable feature was the river of blood surrounding it. Perhaps you will dare to attempt to cross it.

[[ooc: Starters will be in the comments below! And if you would like a custom prompt, feel free to poke me at blueflowers!]]

Comments

Who doesn't want to swim in the river of blood? (First visit to Horizon)

[inthenameofhades]

For new visitors to Zagreus's Domain, there was a bit of a problem: the only way in was through a river of blood. One which did not yet have any stepping stones for those who didn't want to take a dip, because in his currently amnesiac state Zagreus hadn't thought to include them. As far as he was concerned, a river of blood was a completely normal and logical place to put an entrance.

But to anyone who manages to make it across - or who just stands awkwardly on the other side wonder how they're supposed to get in - Zagreus will give a warm welcome. "Hello mate!" He say, cheerful and friendly.

[sonofacesius]

Will had already taken a a dip in the Acheron, and while he was mildly sure that a river of blood wasn't the same thing as any of the underworldy rivers, it was still....off putting? Then again, it was also a clear sign as to who this domain belonged too. No need for a signpost. He studied the river for a moment, and then decided that it was only blood. It wasn't even lava, and he'd jumped across wider banks of lava at camp. So, he jumped. Pleasantly surprised when he ended up on the other side, not covered in blood, he waved to his friend.

"Nice river."

[inthenameofhades]

Good thing Zagreus's realm was surrounded by the River Styx, and not the River Phlegethon - otherwise it would be made of lava. But you're in luck, Will - no need to potentially take a dip in magma today!

"Thank you!" Zagreus says, beaming. "I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. And the ghostly hands reaching out from it really adds to the vibe, I think."

Sure enough, if Will takes another look - he'll realise that there are large spectral hands emerging from the river. Just in case he needed more clues.

[sonofacesius]

According to Nico you could actually drink from the Phlegethon, but Will still wasn't willing to try. Will arched an eyebrow at the large spectral hands emerging from the river. Nice creepy factor, although he was quite sure Zagreus' did not see it that way. Like Hades and Nico, they all saw death as simply a part of life, not something to escape or fix. How had Persephone put it? Those who are surrounded by death seem to appreciate life more than anyone else? That quite fit with his understanding of Zagreus. And Nico. He figured Persephone knew what she was talking about.

"Are they actual souls?" Like fragments from the Acheron or something?

The new trend in interior decorating is 'bones' (First visit to Horizon)

[inthenameofhades]

Assuming you manage to make it across the river of blood, inside you will find Zagreus, busy with creating his Domain. A process which involved Zagreus giving instructions to a ghostly Shade in what seemed to be the Ancient Greek equivalent of a hard hat, sitting at a desk filled with blueprints and diamonds.

For some reason, Zagreus seemed to feel that this was necessary.

"Contractor!" Zagreus says, as he gestures towards the great hall. "This ominous bonework should really liven up the place. Work approved!"

There's the sound of hammers, and a whir of activity while the Shade valiantly works to give the impression that they are actually doing something. And then then, poof! The floor is now filled with skulls and bones.

This continues on, with several other developments - a hellish fireplace by the entrance, a large decorative rug, a chair that Zagreus declares he will "never ever sit on." Until Zagreus pauses, a faintly puzzled expression on his face.

"You know, I have the strangest feeling that there's supposed to be someone making disparaging comments about every change I make around here..."

[aquaveiled]

Wandering around into other people's domains is something of a pasttime for her and the best time to do so is around when the latest Summoned start to really get their bearings. What someone does with their domain can really say a lot about them, after all, of their lives and their worlds and their experiences. Who wouldn't be more than a little curious?

But she's not used to showing up in the midst of things.

It seems completely necessary--building is much more fun with friends! Himeka's own domain took quite a bit of effort from the little companions she created and they all have hung around after the fact as well. They add their own flare...even if said flare technically comes from the original creator's subconscious, but it still feels like it's a group effort. And that's what matters.

Himeka is subsequently impressed with the amount of activity she's found. It's more than a few helping hands but an entire operation making something--

--well. She supposes that the aesthetics thus far definitely work well with the river of blood she had to cross. Is that just...a pile of bones?

"Do you need someone to tell you it's right shite?"

[inthenameofhades]

"Hello mate!" Zagreus says, greeting Himeka with absolutely no recognition whatsoever. "And no, that's not quite right...I don't think I actually want someone telling me everything wrong with the decorations."

He just kept expecting it, for some reason. Like frequent passive aggressive criticism was simply the natural state of the universe.

"Besides, I think it's all coming along rather nicely!"

See, that's not just piles of bones scattered across the floor of the Great Hall. They were aesthetically placed piles of bones.

[aquaveiled]

That this is Zagreus' first foray into the Horizon doesn't register with her, even with that greeting, because he's been nothing but agreeable since they actually met. He's also taking much faster to creating his domain that she certainly did upon her arrival, but then again she also just extremely prone to wandering and seeing what's out there. Mayhaps that says more about her than about him.

Still, she respects his wishes. After all, she doesn't have many criticisms to offer. So she nods in agreement and smiles towards Zagreus.

"It looks like a tomb."

That's not a criticism, it's just a statement of truth.

The very good boy

[inthenameofhades]

Fortunately for those who didn't want to swim in blood to visit, once Zagreus's amnesiac first visit was over, he did make sure to put in some stepping stones. Though now you might instead meet the dog.

Said dog was red, with hellish yellow eyes. Big enough to swallow a person whole. And had three heads, all of which will stare very intently at any visitor.

"They're allowed in, Cerberus! This realm doesn't need guarding." Zagreus says, before turning to look at his new visitor. Cerberus rumbles softly, but settles down. "Please, come in. I hope he doesn't bother you."

[nomnoms]

Nanaue had NOT been deterred by the river of blood, and even with the stepping stones added he happily swam right through.

Soaked in blood and confronted by a giant, three-headed dog - Nanaue hunches slightly, a deep growl vibrating from within his own chest. He only stops and straightens again when a voice speaks up to calm the larger beast. Nanaue looks between Zagreus and the dog, confused.

"... Friend?" he asks, uncertain.

[inthenameofhades]

"Nanaue mate, welcome!" Zagreus says, giving his big fish-man friend a wide grin. "And yes, he's a friend. This is Cerberus. Cerberus, meet Nanaue."

And with that Zagreus reaches up to give a big friendly rub to the side of Cerberus's neck. At this, Cerberus settles a little, and - after giving Nanuae a quick, curious sniff - cheerfully barks once, and wags his tail.

[nomnoms]

"Ser-bus..." Nanaue repeats, testing the pronunciation. "BIG dogs..."

When Cerebus wags his tail, Nanaue seems to relax and chortles happily. He looks at Zagreus, curious.

"Serbus know fetch?"

HIS dog knows fetch. They could play fetch now, if they had something big enough... Nanaue glances around the space for a moment before remembering he can just make what he wants.

A bone that could be the size of an elephant femur POOFS into existence in front of them.

[funbreaker]

While the Horizon is constantly shifting and changing its layout on the whims of those who are present in it at any given time, Thancred does what he can to keep an updated mental map of sorts. People tend to try and keep their domains in the same general place in relation to where others have settled, but of course, there are frequent shifts as Summoned vanish from this star.

Or some are like Himeka, who prefer a constantly moving realm.

All this to say that when he notices what seems to be a new domain, one that can only be described as doom and gloom, he feels he must investigate and see what it's all about.

The stepping stones over a pool of blood certainly set the mood. It would be difficult to find a buried dungeon in Etheirys this eerie, and that's saying something.

And as soon as he crosses, Thancred finds himself face-to-face(-to-face-to-face) with a massive, three-headed dog.

"Cerberus?" Yes, he knows of the myth of the guard of the Underworld from home, and when a young man shows up and confirms that this is in fact the same beast, at least in name and appearance, Thancred's even more baffled. He turns his attention to the stranger, raising an eyebrow at his attire. Well, it's certainly on theme with everything else here.

"Not at all. This is not the first time I've heard tell of Cerberus, truth be told, though it is the first time seeing it in the flesh. So to speak."

[inthenameofhades]

Eerie? Gloomy? Surely not! It's...atmospheric! Charmingly deathly!

Zagreus may have some rather unusual aesthetic standards.

"Oh, I'm not surprised you've heard of Cerberus. He's got an important job guarding the entrance to the Underworld, don't you boy?" Zagreus punctuates this by giving one of Cerberus's heads - the one on right - a good rub. Something which Cerberus clearly enjoys, from the way his tail wags and his right head leans into the pat, tongue lolling out of its mouth.

[funbreaker]

It's bizarre to see what's supposed to be a hellish, intimidating beast react not unlike someone's pet as he's scratched by his... owner? Thancred looks between all three heads and the stranger's face, not quite sure where to let his gaze settle.

"Then... this is a recreation of the Underworld, is it?"

The Underworld, or some version of it, exists on Etheirys as well. Yet it's nothing like this, and Thancred has actually been there now, so he would know.

For a brief moment, he wonders what Emet-Selch would make of this, but quickly shoves that thought away.

[beautifullies]

There is very little that still startles Claire, but being face to face with a red, three-headed dog is new, and she stills with her basket of Horizon-made goods. When she hears someone speak to the beast, her only thought is of course the dog is called Cerberus (why wouldn't it be after all it took to get here?), and Claire spares a thought for Will and his Grecian roots.

"Hello, I—I don't mean to intrude, it's just that one can't have a river of blood and then not expect a bit of curiosity. Though I would've brought dog biscuits had I known what I was in for." She doesn't know if she believes Cerberus would be satisfied with a Milkbone or three.

Despite her brain's trepidation, Claire makes her way in further, glancing around curiously. "I feel as though I wouldn't have missed this, previously." He looks vaguely familiar, in the 'might have seen him in passing' sort of way. She's seen so many people new to Solvunn though, she doesn't ask right away. She's still too impressed by the dog.

[inthenameofhades]

If Zagreus looks familiar, it's probably because he's not exactly someone who will blend into the crowd. That one hellish red eye - and the fact that his feet are apparently on fire all the time - tend to make him rather distinctive, visually speaking.

He doesn't recognise her, but that doesn't stop him from giving her a friendly smile. "No no, please do come in! You're very welcome. Isn't she, Cerberus?"

Cerberus's middle head leans forward slightly, to give Claire a good sniff - before apparently rumbling in agreement. Now content that Claire has permission to be here, he settles down to lay on the ground as his three heads - somehow - settle between his paws.

"And the curiosity is also very understandable. Myself and this little patch of Horizon are still quite new."

[beautifullies]

Her smile is broader at the welcome (and the acceptance by Cerberus) and she makes her way closer, extending a hand in greeting. "I'm Claire; sometimes I like to leave my own little corner of this place and see what others come up with. It's one of—if not the—most interesting ways to get a first impression of someone."

Claire's lived a life that took her to Greece on an archeological dig as a teen, which led to a lingering interest in myths and ancient wonders. It's the only reason she decides to take a guess as to what the domain is; the addition of Cerberus boosts her confidence.

"Is this...the Underworld?"

As she asks, she looks back at the river she had to cross, and at the ghostly hands emerging from the blood, only able to grasp air.

Wildcard!

[inthenameofhades]

Zagreus's Domain, while no larger than anyone else's, nonetheless contained a multitudes of rooms. So perhaps while you are here, you will admire the Great Hall, or have a drink in the Lounge. You might gaze upon the many portraits in the Portrait Gallery, or the array of weapons within the Courtyard.

Or you might just poke around through all of Zagreus's stuff in his room. That's always an option, too.

[[OOC: For full descriptions of all these locations, see here!]]

this weirdo is snooping in his room lmk if this isn't okay!

[thedreamer]

All apologies to whomever this room belongs, but of course, the Doctor can't always help himself in the best of times, certainly not the worst of times. Granted, this isn't exactly the worst of times — far from it — but things have definitely gone a bit sideways. Off kilter. Not as they should be. He's the curious sort by nature and it's only increased tenfold by recent events, so he's poking around different places in the Horizon with slightly less restraint than his usual only-sort-of-middling restraint.

He never intends to be rude or cross boundaries and barge into places he's not been invited, it's just...well, him. He doesn't quite fit in amongst most. Which is why, this particular day, he stumbles into someone's domain and what looks to be a fun room indeed, and doesn't immediately leave, but rather, examines everything closer.

He talks to himself at times, too. Old habit.

As he examines the decor and the posters hanging up, he remarks, "Dionysus, oh, lovely chap! Well, one assumes, all things considered. And Aphrodite — ah, a theme."

Of course, that was quite obvious by now, given the other adornments he's seen here.

It is always okay for the Doctor to snoop! :P

[inthenameofhades]

Perhaps if Zagreus had been out in the Great Hall, or even the Lounge, he would have noticed his new visitor. But instead he'd been out in the Courtyard - too far from the entrance to realise anyone had come in.

But he was close enough to hear the sound of a voice coming from his room.

"Ah..." he says, blinking awkwardly at the Doctor after darting into the room. He's not entirely unfamiliar with having unexpected guests here. But usually, they're people he actually knows. "I'm sorry mate, I don't believe we've met?"

And Zagreus himself - the Doctor may notice - also continues the theme. A red and black exomis, a style of tunic common in Ancient Greece. Skulls on his shoulder, his belt, his greaves. A wreath of burning laurels upon his head. And feet that burn red hot, leaving embers behind where he steps.

excellent :3

[thedreamer]

"An absolute pity we haven't, wouldn't you say?" The Doctor would, in any case. He loves meeting everyone. How much they enjoy the same in reverse is always an adventure, can't predict. Keeps life interesting, at least, from his perspective.

"Good thing I showed up when I did, now we needn't go a moment more without knowing one another. I'm the Doctor, very good to meet you, colon insert name here." He says this with a cheerful smile while actually saying insert name here out loud, briefly folding his hands together behind his back as he gets a full look at the other man. And when he does, the Doctor's hands come out from behind his back quickly and he makes a few vague and uncoordinated hand gestures at him, almost like he's framing him and taking a mental picture. "Well, you're fully on brand here, aren't you? Excellent. If I'm getting my mythologies correct, and of course I am, you've a perfect replica of the Underworld here. Cozy!"

He's not being facetious, either, he's fascinated. Then again, it doesn't take much with this one.

hey cuz

[monomachy]

Despite the strange weather patterns affecting the Horizon as much as the waking world, Diana still patrols the Horizon when she finds a few hours to do so. She's dressed simply in a short, golden chiton with the emblem of The Empress stitched in matching shining gold and sandals, unaffected by any chill that hangs in the air. Whether its by the power of her will or something else remains to be seen.

It isn't long before she comes across a Domain she has yet to see--a great, opulent creation of stone and bones, all surrounded by a river of what looks like blood. She stops short on the bank of the river, eyeing the spectral hands rising from it, face contorted into a mask of incredulity.

"What in the gods' names is this place?" She asks the question to no one, but feels the need to voice it aloud anyway.

[inthenameofhades]

Fortunately, even though did not speak the question to anyone in particular, someone still heard. Soon Zagreus appears on the other side of the river, and he gives her a wide smile when he sees who it is.

"Diana! Glad you could come visit, mate," he says, friendly and apparently unbothered by the fact that he's surrounding by blood and skulls. But then, he is also wearing rather more skulls than he was previously.

"This is the House of Hades, center of the Underworld. Or at least, a recreation of it. This is my home."

[monomachy]

Relief (and an amount of understanding) spark through her when she sees Zagreus across the river. She looks at the building and the moat with new eyes; while she doesn't really see anything she could confidently call familiar, she can at least reconcile it with what she knows about the Underworld. Well, the stories she's heard, at least.

Without the appearance of any effort, she crouches slightly before leaping across the bloody river in one smooth movement, landing near Zagreus without really disturbing his Domain. She looks down at the grasping hands below once more before lifting her gaze to meet his mismatched one, a small smile curving her lips. "Well met, Zagreus. I have never been to the realm of Hades, but it is truly a joy to be able to see it through your eyes."