abraxaslogs | EVENT #22: KHION

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

[Aster slaps Alucard on the back with a hefty hand they aren't entirely aware of.]

Of course! What sort of hosts would we be to have our guests frozen into icicles?

[A chuckle follows.]

Indeed they are. As you know, we too were of a warm climate until recently. Orion secured some supplies from the Lunae. They were more than happy to help.

[Nocwich has always been an ally of a sort. Lately, they've become closer friends.]

[Alucard can roll with a heavy clap on the back, seeming not at all bothered or even thrown by the gesture. Aster's larger, but the dhampir is good at being steady on his own two feet.]

Both Luna and Ikorr seem more open to collaboration in general. I remember reading about Nocwich when I first arrived here and being deeply frustrated that it was so closed off. [In those books, it has seemed a paradise. And while that isn't entirely true, Alucard can't say he hasn't continued to enjoy and respect the cultures of both night worlds that exist there.]

Have such trading ties extended to your neighbors on this island?

Yes...you know, so were we, but after Nocwich welcomed you into their fold, we saw the potential.

[As small territories, a place like the Nether or Nocwich required caution and a certain degree of secretiveness when it came to the power-hungry nations with their sights set on the Singularity and more land. But the Summoned were from off-world; it presented a new opportunity to make friends.

Aster, personally, thinks the gamble has paid off. She thinks her fellow Draconae feel the same, as well.]

Endsmuth, you mean? No. Our magic might be low as some call it, but it's still magic in their eyes. They won't have anything to do with us.

[Aster frowns.]

They might not be too happy with our dragons edging closer...but we've heard nothing yet one way or another.

Forgive my ignorance, but how long were their doors closed for? I'd venture a few centuries to the major territories, but even to closer neighbors?

[It wasn't as if the Nether was terribly far away from Nocwich as the crow flies. Or as the dragon flies? Now is hardly the time to become overfocused on idioms.

But Aster mentions Endsmuth by name, and that is where curiosity lies for Alucard. It is one of the very few places that has kept to itself all these years. He isn't sure it is a place he'd want to visit, given his own nature, so second hand knowledge is best.]

Do they communicate with you at all? The scant passages I have encountered about the place paints a very isolationist picture.

[Aster waves their hand, a wry smile on their face.]

Since the Ashlands began to take over, I suppose. Invitations are hard to extend when our lands might choke our guests... well, you remember. You were there.

[The Nether, until recently, simply didn't have a lot of sights to offer. They imported their goods, of course, but what use would a werewolf have to venture down into a volcano full of ashes and dead trees?

These days, the Nether is far more welcoming.]

They keep to themselves, like you say. Why the curiosity? Are you interested in visiting them?

Well, you never know how werewolves or vampires can surprise you in difficult terrain.

[It isn't a joke exactly, but Alucard's dry tone suggests it could be one if he had a better punchline. He doesn't though, and he's happy to move along to the thing that has had Alucard's attention for a little while now.]

I doubt I'd be welcomed if I did. [Okay now that part is a joke, and Alucard flashes a thin grin to confirm that. His face then becomes serious, taking the response head on.]

There's a genuine and honest curiosity in me as the description of it is far from the rest of the world and how it approaches magic. Likewise, being an island nation means imports, as you've indicated, and how they manage their day to day is something I'd like to look into. [A shrug follows, admitting this is a pipe dream at best.] But I doubt they'll want to contact people who are brought into this world through magic itself. Weird speculation it'll have to be.

[Aster agrees with their characteristic bright chuckle.]

Well, you do have a point.

[They continue along the frosty path, undeterred by the deep blanket of snow or the slippery rocks. The Guardian's expression turns contemplative.]

I don't blame you for wondering. On the other hand, we know what it's like to want to be left alone. To exist in a way that goes against most of the world...that's hard to cling to. You know, their distaste for any inkling of magic makes me wary, but I suppose a part of me admires their conviction.

Strange. Typically I am told that I have two.

[It is in fact an extremely bad joke. Alucard does not care, and he lets fangs enter his grin for a passing moment.

The crunch of snow is welcome and familiar under Alucard's feet, making him glad that he's always kept to wearing boots in the Free Cities. It has saved him the need to break in new ones in cold conditions.]

I've had poor experiences with those thinking ill of magic in some capacity, so my instinct is to call such a thought process bullheaded and foolish. But in a case like this, I also cannot assume that their beliefs came out of nowhere. Is there any history that explains their strong feelings on the matter?

[That draws another laugh. A bad joke, it is, but Aster delights in all jokes, terrible or no.]

You only need to look at the world.

[Aster gestures at their surroundings.]

Blood spilt over the Singularity, omens, gods...when I mind the children, they're adamant on avoiding things they fear or don't understand. It takes time to coax them. If you ask me, the folk in Endsmuth are a bit the same, but they haven't got anyone they trust to show them otherwise. So they cocoon themselves forever.

[Some bad jokes never die. It is good to know that fang related ones are in that grouping.

The dhampir considers Aster's words for a moment, and in so many ways, it feels like one of the debates that he overheard his parents having when he was growing up. That people are scared. Their lives are short and the world is too big. To bring understanding is to remove fear and help build trust. His mother always stood firm on that point. His father...the needle had moved a little before everything collapsed utterly.

A pained little expression flickers across his face at the memory before managing a reply.]

And that is easier done on an island, even if you have neighbors. I understand, although I can't say I think it is wise these days. [There's the crunching of snow behind them both, and Alucard suspects that he should be polite enough and leave things here.]

Thank you for indulging my curiosity.

[Aster watches the Summoned's expression with a touch of interest. They choose not to remark on what may be on Alucard's mind. Something tells them it's private - and though they're here to befriend the off-worlders, the Guardian must remain diplomatic.]

I suppose we all have different thoughts on what's wise.

[They give Alucard a cheerful nod, then a wave.]

Well - I should lend my time to the guides. See you down the mountain, eh?

EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

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