abraxaslogs | EVENT #22: KHION

Entry tags:

EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

Event 22 - Khion

Despite the unsettling tremors from the previous month, the citizens of Abraxas are determined to enjoy their winter festivities. For you, the collective wintertide celebrations - The Dimming, The Festival of Enlightenment, and the Winter Solstice - have often been held in your home territories or Nocwich.

This year brings a change. You'll receive a personal letter from the Nether, signed by Aster, the Guardian themselves. Whether you were there to aid the Nether or not last autumn, the letter thanks you nonetheless for your assistance and informs you that much has changed in their lands...for the better. Indeed, so much so that the Draconae wish to invite you back so you can see for yourself the positive impact you've had.

Their gates will open DECEMBER 16 and close on DECEMBER 20. Because the Draconae do not possess magic as powerful as other races in Abraxas, they kindly ask that you stay for the week since they cannot maintain a persistent portal.

The major plot occurrence will occur at the end. The fallout of this incident will carry over into January.

Above and Below

Previously, only the Obsidian Heart - the volcanic city - was accessible as the area above was far too cold and desolate. Now, with the adult dragons having returned to their full strength and their hatchlings growing by the day, the Draconae have begun to reclaim their territory beyond the volcano.

You'll be able to explore areas within the Heart, but you'll find most of the festivities above-ground. The Draconae are a fun-loving people and they're quite fond of the Summoned after all the help you've given them. They also understand that tensions between the major territories have been high as of late...and would like to grant you some reprieve from a war many of you didn't ask to be a part of.

Accommodations

This time, guests will stay in stone huts built from the Nether's volcanic stone. The stones preserve an unusual amount of heat, meaning the huts are very warm. Bedding is comfortable, if simple, with room to store your belongings. The Draconae believe strongly in mutual respect, so the doors contain no locks. Your safety is assured, but if you're nervous, you can ask for a guard to watch you at night.

If you don't do well in the cold, the Draconae will offer you warming potions and thick furs. Curiously, the furs closely resemble what the werewolves in Luna wear, suggesting that the Nether and Nocwich have resumed more active trading in recent months.

◎ A larger community hut is in the center of the small village that's slowly being built. 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 spots for ice fishing. Since the natural world is steadily being restored, game and fish found are of the common variety like deer, bison, and trout, as opposed to the stranger creatures that were found inside the Obsidian Heart's lava pools. Feel free to share your catch with your friends or offer to cook for the culinarily challenged.

◎ Hot springs can be found to the north. You'll have to hike to reach the area but it's a lovely walk. The waters themselves are crystal clear. At night, they glow with hundreds of tiny unknown creatures. These creatures are believed to be the result of the previously sickly hatchling, Anthusa, who creates bioluminescent algae. Now that Anthusa is much healthier, it can be spotted playing in the hot springs and lakes.

◎ Large fuzzy rodents the size of a small cat will occasionally invade your sleeping quarters or eating areas. They're easily chased off but they can be a huge nuisance by stealing your food and chewing holes in your blankets. You're warned only to chase them off not injure them. Unfortunately, their blood is quite corrosive and can cause a harsh burn to the skin. While the burns will heal up in a few days, it's best to avoid the situation altogether.

Sights & Activities

Opal Flats

The Opal Flats are natural wonders that have recently come into being with the dragons' increasing strength. The pearlescent icy surface glows at night which makes it the perfect place for ice skating after sunset. You can borrow a pair of ice skates and join the Draconae on the ice.

◎ When you're done with the ice, you can join one of the tents nearby that are hosting spiced cider workshops. Here, you can make your own spiced cider blend. Flavors include clove, cinnamon, and berries unique to the Nether. You can test infusing your blend into small cups of cider until you're happy with the results. Your final personalized blend will then be packaged into a jar and tied off with a ribbon. Enjoy it yourself or give it to someone special!

◎ Keep an eye out! The young dragons are troublemakers and will sneak into the workshops to steal cinnamon sticks, drink from the steaming cider pots, and knock down hanging decorations. You can help rehang decorations or remove the dragons from spaces they shouldn't be in...though they'll soon find their way back again. The Draconae seem exasperated but tolerant of the hatchlings so you shouldn't worry too much about the mild chaos. It's to be expected.

◎ Once more, Khloris is the biggest menace and it's grown larger since. While Khloris has learned to better control its powers, it's still prone to causing flowers to sprout in your hair should you come into contact with too much of its pollen. Fortunately, the effect is temporary - just a few hours.

Dusk Falls

Each day, starting at dawn, two Draconae guides will lead a hike up the mountains. Make sure you bring your hiking boots! The slopes are frosty and can be dangerous but they'll keep you safe as much as possible. Otherwise, it's a lovely trip and takes about two hours to reach the top. You'll encounter a beautiful view, fresh mountain air, and a cavern at the peak where you can go inside and look at some frozen waterfalls.

◎ Unusual ice-like spiders infest some portions of the cave. While they're quite big (about the size of a wolf spider), they're harmless and seldom bite. On the occasions that they do, the bite is easily treated with a bandage and a few days to heal. However, they do have a bad habit of dropping down from the ceiling onto the heads of passersby wandering through the caves. The experience can be startling if you're not expecting it.

◎ Once you've all finished enjoying the sights, you can return to the bottom. Luckily, you won't have to climb down. Instead, the group will get to ride one of the two adult dragons in the Nether: Hierus, the Obsidian Drake, and Kruos, the Glass Serpent. They'll bring all of you safely back to the base of the mountain.

Cinder's Core

Walking through the Ashlands no longer requires any special potion. The air is now clear. Cinder's Core lies at the southern end. Previous visitors will recall that it was full of petrified trees and fossilized bone. The detritus of a fallen ecosystem remains, but alongside it is new growth of flourishing green thanks to the young dragon Okenus. This includes the trees growing the unique kydros fruit.

◎ You can help harvest the kydros fruit to contribute to the feast above the surface. Now that they're growing freely again, the Draconae are no longer reserving them for the potions and have reintroduced the fruit into their regular dishes! Mildly sweet with a hint of citrus, it tastes somewhat like a pomelo.

◎ Be careful when harvesting or traversing the area! While the jungle is starting to recover, it's still a jungle full of tripping hazards, slippery vines, and high cliffs - some of which now have refreshing waterfalls. There might also be a hidden snake or aggressive birds. These creatures aren't dangerous to any real degree, but if they bite or peck, it'll leave a mark!

Mysterious Gifts

While the Draconae participate in traditional gift-giving, this occurs only between the closest of mates and friends. More common is an activity they call Krypto's Box. Krypto's Box is a massive jar in the middle of town with a hole carved out at the bottom to function as a sort of dispenser. Filling the jar are hundreds of vials containing a mystery potion. Each year, the batch of potions is blessed by magic from the young dragons of the Nether. In other words - these mischievous creatures have influenced the potions' effects.

You can take a potion and gift it to someone. Neither of you will know what the effects are until the recipient opens it, but you can trust it'll be something mild, temporary, and amusing. During Khion, it's not unusual to see the Draconae wandering around covered in glitter, swirls of flowers, or hovering 2 feet above the ground. Accepting a mystery potion is part of the fun. The local Draconae will gift you some alongside your Summoned friends!

If your character has received a potion - whether from a Draconum or another Summoned - comment HERE to see what effect they'll receive. If you don't like the effect, simply disregard your character having received a potion to begin with.

Making Friends (NPCs)

The occasion is less formal this time, so Anneth and Aster will each be available for you to meet regardless of your status. There's also one surprise guest that some of you might recognize from last year's Epulum event in Ikorr: Babis, the cheerful Draconum who was merely looking for a good time and found himself embroiled in a mysterious theft.

Descriptions about the three NPCs and where they can be found will be in their character comments below. Depending on who you talk to, you can learn a little more about neighboring Endsmuth, the dragons, and relations with Nocwich. The meetings might not last very long, but you'll be able to get in one or two questions!

Characters of any rank can speak with one of the three NPCs available.

To do so, TAG IN with your character under the NPC you want to meet.

Renewal

The Nether's limited magic means that they seldom feel the effects of the Dimming. However, even the Draconae begin to notice something is wrong as the final day draws near wherein the Singularity should go completely dark, falling into its usual state of hibernation. The dragons, in particular, are disturbed and have communicated as such to both Anneth and Ermis, the Keeper.

Before anyone can determine what's truly happening, a massive quake strikes all of Abraxas. As far away from the epicenter as the Nether is, even they feel the effects, a tremor that knocks over decorations and cracks foundations.

For any who are near the cliffs overlooking the ocean below, they can observe a giant tidal wave that consumes the island where some of you recall being held captive on.

Portals Awry

Naturally, you want to return home after such an unexpected event. The Draconae hurriedly open the portals to your individual territories and assure you they will assist in any way possible, though they are equally unsure of what's just happened.

Stepping through the portal, you expect to pass through and face the familiar sights and sounds where you reside. For a small handful of you, that may be exactly so. For many others, however, you'll find yourself in a completely unexpected place.

Indeed, it seems that whatever force has caused the quake has also disrupted the Singularity's no longer waning magic, corrupting the portal magic and sending you into an opposing territory. In a time of war, this could be disastrous for all involved...and it's clear from the locals who greet you on the other side that they are as baffled as you.

Players can choose to mix things up and send their characters to a new territory for the duration of January. Since this will be temporary, feel free to separate close CR or put your character somewhere they won't enjoy. It won't last long!

Characters will not be placed under any restrictions for accidentally landing in a strange place. They will, for the time being, be treated as guests while officials determine what to do next.

The Wrap-Up will detail how characters' experiences will go once they are in their new territory.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ His previous trip to the Nether was under heavier circumstances. He'd certainly made more use of his sword than he expected—and the strange magic from the Ashlands left its mark.

This year, things seem far less complicated. It's heartening, he supposes, to see the dragons thriving. Though, Geralt being who he is, he can't help asking what that might mean for the future. The dragons can too easily be perceived a threat...and the Summoned being so close to the Nether might be seen as a problem to nip in the bud.

The trek up the mountain immediately draws his attention. It's been some time since he's had a snow-covered peak to scale. As much as he enjoys climbing the cliffs in the desert, it isn't the same. He does not necessarily invite anyone in particular to join him, but as ever, he expects to run into a familiar face or three.

Besides a cloak over his shoulders, Geralt is dressed surprisingly light for the frosty temperatures. The snow clings to his hair as it drifts down. He strolls along with little effort exerted—and if anyone happens to trip or slip, he's quick to steady to them.

At some point, he may be spotted carrying a certain bard up the steepest slopes. There are deep sighs involved and eventually, he does dump Jaskier back on his feet to continue the walk. He's not a damn pack mule. ]

Edited 2024-12-16 22:19 (UTC)

[ Istredd doesn't get to do as much walking as he used to so he's invigorated by the idea and went out with a group of others. He is dressed well for the weather but there are several heating enchantments on all of his clothing thanks to having made them for Lucifer, who is always freezing. So he borrowed his own inventions for himself. He's not heavily weighted down, although he's not impervious to it the way Geralt appears to be.

He's enjoying even the harder spots and is already up past the steepest slope, glancing around, when he looks back to see Geralt carrying Jaskier. Which only gets him to grin as he watches them. Naturally, given his personal relationship with Jaskier now, he finds it both funny and cute. He really did convince the witcher to carry him when it got too hard.

He catches up with Geralt not that long after he set Jaskier down, thinking the bard might need to catch his breath, and he goes easily into step with his friend. He's smiling and in a general great mood; being here suits him. His shoulders feel very light lacking the usual serious weight.]

Can I get a ride next?

[ Mm, so the mage arrives. Geralt had spotted him wandering up the hill from below while Jaskier was in his arms so he isn't surprised to see Istredd coming up behind him now. He supposes they're all seeking a bit of time away from people and yet more people.

Or perhaps only Geralt is keen on this. ]

No. [ Said with his typical flatness, though there's the smallest quirk to his lips. He slows for Istredd to fall into step beside him. Glances over to note the snow covering Istredd's dark curls and the enchantments emanating off of him in waves. His medallion hums faintly. ]

Shouldn't you be with your paramour? [ Hikes through the wilderness, as Jaskier insisted, are romantic and wonderful. Geralt wouldn't know. He hikes because it's required for him to get from one point to the next. In this case, he's curious about what's at the top of the mountain. A pleasant view, at the very least. ]

[ Istredd does get overwhelmed by close quarters with a lot of people but he is also used to it in the castle. Having a break from being surrounded by people with an invigorating walk is exactly what he needed. The air might be cold when he takes in a deep breath, but it's not as stuffy either. Outside of Jaskier, everyone is here to take on the hike as it is, so they are in good company. ]

What, you don't think you can handle it?

[ He probably does have some weight on Jaskier due to his size and the bulk he's gained after years of training. It's only funny in theory, it would probably be very silly if attempted. He likes how easily they fall into step with each other though. Istredd still enjoys a certain kind of company on his walks and Geralt's mellow energy fits it, even if their first journey was a strange one.

At the question he shakes his head. ]

Lucifer hates the cold. I've made heat enchantments on all of his clothes, but a hike like this would be pushing it.

[ That probably explains why Istredd is covered in magic at the moment and doesn't need to cover his bulk with as much layers. Geralt's humming medallion is going off for a reason. He eagerly looks ahead of them, hoping for a dragon on the other end of this. ]

We've been enjoying more independence these days too. Although I can't very well claim this a date with Jaskier if you're the one carrying him up the mountain.

[ Istredd's joking and obviously if he wanted it to be a date he would be closer to Jaskier while having it. In a way though, it's him setting down a tiny bit of information that Geralt may or may not have, for his own motivations which are unclear at first glance. He brushes the snow out of his hair and it grows longer again. ]

Are you looking forward to the dragon ride? I can't imagine you had one before.

[ Hm. Geralt's gaze roams over Istredd. ] Can you?

[ Shy might not be the word he'd use, but Istredd certainly isn't shameless in the vein that Jaskier is shameless. (Very few can match Jaskier's lack of shame, to be fair.)

Hates the cold, does he? That's something to keep in mind. Somehow, he hadn't realized that. He steps lightly over the snow, ducking under boughs weighed down with white powder. Jaskier's somewhere behind them now, or perhaps he's gone on ahead; despite his complaints, Jaskier is as much at home in the northern mountains as Geralt. They've both travelled terrain like this on the Continent enough.

Istredd, too. At least this time, they aren't hunting for monster nests or monoliths. With luck, it'll remain an uneventful trek.

The word date registers belatedly. He squints at Istredd, head tilted. Is that what Istredd is trying to claim here? ]

Witchers prefer to leave dragons alone. One encounter with the gold dragon was enough.

I could try.

[ Istredd's not a hundred percent sure what he's flirting about now but he is attempting to do it artlessly. He doesn't have Jaskier's skill with it so he gives up a little quicker, and there's some nerves underneath. Is he offering to carry Geralt himself? Who knows. He slants a look back at Geralt but his eyes dart away after, looking at the path ahead.

This isn't his usual adventure but he is eager to be out here. It feels invigorating to do something new. It's not as if he goes hiking around in Thorne's colder areas, although he probably could. He lacks the drive to explore his home the way he can here, for whatever reason. Geralt does seem like he belongs out here though. The witcher always has this sense of confidence and assuredness, it's admirable. ]

You encountered a gold dragon? I believe there are only two of them left, according to what I've read.

[ Istredd wouldn't consider himself a dragon enthusiast before coming here but he did find the creatures interesting for their great intelligence and unique powers. ]

Is it true they can shapeshift?

Edited 2024-12-27 21:48 (UTC)

[ He's realizing, he thinks he might hear Istredd's heart fluttering momentarily. He supposes he did notice it before, too, when Istredd had joined him in the springs some weeks ago. His gaze returns to Istredd.

He decides he'll be polite and lift the branch for Istredd to duck under. ]

Mm-hm. [ To all of that. ] He called himself Borch in his human morph. But Villentretenmerth is his true name. I'm surprised Jaskier hasn't regaled you with the story.

[ He did write a song about it, though he recognizes Istredd is not one to listen to much music. Not even Jaskier's. Too busy burying his nose in all his dusty tomes. Not, of course, that the song details what happened in reality. It's only a song. Especially seeing as Jaskier slept through the whole damn encounter, anyhow. ]

Have you tried to approach the ones here?

OTA — hiking.

no subject

thank u for waiting !!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

thank u for waiting!

ALWAYS

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

thank u for waiting!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

thank u for waiting!

same haha

no subject

no subject

THANK U FOR WAIT...