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Entry tags:
- !event,
- !npc,
- aloy; the hermit,
- alucard; the hierophant,
- annabeth chase; the high priestess,
- boothill; the hierophant,
- cassian andor; the tower,
- chris halliwell; the tower,
- cirilla of cintra; the devil,
- claude von riegan; the wheel of fortune,
- eddie munson; the devil,
- geralt of rivia; the hanged man,
- hilda goneril; the lovers,
- iris black; the hanged man,
- istredd; the high priestess,
- james sunderland; the hermit,
- jesper fahey; the wheel of fortune,
- jonathan crane; the magician,
- julia wicker; the tower,
- kyle; the hanged man,
- lord john grey; justice,
- lucifer; the devil,
- mat cauthon; the wheel of fortune,
- nadine cross; the world,
- nanaue; the fool,
- rowena macleod; the high priestess,
- sam winchester; the hierophant,
- steve rogers; the hierophant,
- thancred waters; strength,
- tifa lockhart; the empress,
- travis guidry; the chariot,
- viktor; death
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
[ Thancred can't help but sound a bit exasperated, even as Himeka and Khloris send him matching doe-eyed looks. He's not even sure how a dragon manages that, but that's neither here nor there.
The guides, meanwhile, simply watch the display from afar, only barely containing their amusement. Well, if they're fine with the little one coming along, then Thancred isn't in any position to protest.
They'll all keep it safe. He's aware of the dragonets and their importance to this land. ]
... Shall we, then?
[ With a nod he starts up the path, shortly behind the two guides, and entirely unaware that flowers have started to grow in his hair, forming a crown of sorts. ]
no subject
Has Thancred ever experienced the joy of following a gaggle of excited baby dragons into the great unknown? It doesn't matter if the dragonets actually have an inkling of where they ought to go. It's all about the journey.
But he relents as anticipated and Himeka and Khloris exchange a knowing look with one another. Got 'em.
They hop into step easily alongside Thancred, though the flowers don't go unnoticed for very long. Himeka, of course, is always excited to see something familiar or cloes to her heart--in this case, her own tradition of wearing flowers at all times of year. ]
I see you're feeling festive.
no subject
[ Thancred isn't certain what Himeka is on about at first, save that it can't be good. Khloris is the one who gives it away as the little creature does an excited flap round his head, admiring its handiwork. That's what causes Thancred to reach up and feel the soft texture of a flower petal, and while he gives it a tug, it's clear that it's not coming out for the moment.
He lets out a weary sigh, but simply shrugs his shoulders, accepting his fate. ]
I suppose there are worse things. At least I'm not being made to model the fashion trends of moon rabbits.
[ No, he hasn't forgotten.
Besides, it isn't long before Himeka has a crown of her own, made to match his. He knows that she'll be delighted, though, as she wears flowers in her hair as a matter of course. ]
no subject
Oh, you were quite the model for that, I promise!
[ Granted, Himeka is keen to wear pretty much anything so she's also the worst judge of that.
Khloris does seem curious, so Himeka takes a quick moment to relay the antics of the little impromptu fashion show they had. The dragonet seems delighted and sprinkles more bits of flower and life about the land around them.
Himeka will gladly take her own crown, always keen on wearing flowers in her hair. If anything, she fluffs her hair up a bit, which is a difficult task considering it now would dragon on the floor if she didn't braid it. ]
Did I ever tell you that my mother liked to make pins of coral? They looked like flowers and were very popular in our village.
no subject
[ Thancred rolls his eyes, assuming that Himeka is having a laugh. Surely no one could have thought that any of those outfits actually looked good, save for Urianger, who was never ruffled by anything, it seemed.
It shouldn't surprise him that Himeka has her own way of communicating with the dragonets. The Warrior of Light can somehow speak with just about anyone and anything, and he tries not to take it personally, as they could very well be having a laugh at his expense.
It's fine.
Though when Himeka turns back to conversation with him, Thancred is a tad surprised by the unexpected tidbit. Himeka doesn't talk about her life before she became an adventurer all that often, though Thancred has learned more and more over the course of their friendship — and here at Abraxas, which forced them to share memories with each other. At least they'd been pleasant ones. ]
I don't think you have, no. Is that what started your habit of wearing flowers in your hair, then?
[ He smiles, a soft one in spite of himself, and glances to the path ahead of them. They're both fit enough that they're only a few paces behind the guides. ]
When we were in Radz at Han, during the Final Days, there were a few Auri children who wanted to thank Y'shtola and I for helping them to safety. They opted to make flower crowns for us.
[ Little does he know that those children had consulted with Himeka on what colors to use... ]
no subject
To his question in turn, she nods. It's less that Himeka consciously keeps these sorts of things a secret and more that she's just use to collecting stories rather than sharing them. It just doesn't always occur to her. ]
Yes. They're not exactly the same as her pins, but they fill similar. I usually keep her pins in my armoire.
[ Where they won't get crushed in battle, dried coral being fragile.
She listens placidly as they walk, at first just happy to hear a nice story from Thancred in turn. But it quickly dawns upon her that she knows exactly what children and flower crowns he's talking about.
Himeka gets something of a sly grin and clasps her hands behind her. ]
That's very sweet of them! They must have smelled wonderful.
no subject
The story isn't meant to be more than a small anecdote from before they came to Abraxas, relevant to the current gift he's been given by Khloris, and yet there is something about the look Himeka gives him, and that comment...
Thancred pauses in his walk forward for just a moment to squint at her. ]
Wait. What's that look for?
[ ... Did she have something to do with it?
Khloris lets out a chittering noise that almost sounds like a dragon's version of a giggle, to him. ]
no subject
For her fish. ]
What look?
[ Khloris is so totally in on this. ]
Flowers smell nice, don't they? Everyone likes flowers.
[ A dramaaaaaaatic pause. For dama. ]
Especially red ones.
no subject
As soon as she confirms the color of the flowers, he heaves out a sigh and shakes his head in quiet dismay. ]
I should have known. You somehow find a way to put a finger in every pie, even in the midst of some world-ending calamity.
[ Yet despite that tired hint to his tone, there's also a fondness to it. This is simply Himeka's way, and it's that very aspect of her that makes her so beloved among people all across Etheirys and beyond.
Perhaps in Abraxas as well, given how much Khloris has taken a liking to her. ]
Well, I suppose I must wear the flowers well, if everyone insists on decorating my hair with them.
[ He smirks, doing his best to put a spin on the situation as they continue their climb. ]