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

[Well, she looks like she knows what she's doing, at least insofar as lacing the skates is concerned, though Viktor will reserve full judgement until he sees her out on the "ice".

He does unwrap himself slightly from the blanket in order to hold a conversation. In his hands is a mug of cider.]

I'm all right for now, I think. [This is warm. And nice.] It's good to see you again, Annabeth.

[ she's more of a hot chocolate gal, but she won't say no to cider when the time comes, especially since it seems to be the hot drink in the nether. right now, she thinks she'll need her hands free. ]

[ she pulls on the other skate and starts lacing up that one. ]

Hello, Viktor. Same to you. Are you sure you don't need, like, one more scarf? [ she's got jokes. he just looks so comically bundled. ]

I'm considering it.

[One more scarf. He does seem to be comfortable, for now, with just enough blanket bunched up against his wrists that he can hold his mug unimpeded. Viktor peers over the scarf he is wearing, watching her lace up her boots.]

I can keep an eye on your things, if you like. While you skate.

[ she laughs a little under her breath, because it's very funny to imagine it. ]

[ but she looks over at him at his offer. ]

You sure? I didn't really bring a lot, but if someone tries to steal it, you gotta be ready to throw down.

[ something about his current blanket burrito state... just makes her want to tease this old man. he is not old, but she's a teenager. ]

[Viktor is fairly certain he’s being laughed at, to some extent, but he’ll let it slide because he knows it does not come from a place of malice, and also he’s aware of the fact that he looks a little silly. That said, he’ll always place more value on comfort and functionality than aesthetics. This is one of those times.

As for her concern, he says nothing—only reaches for the crutch that sits alongside him. He lifts it, showing her the button on the underside of the handle. When pressed, the foot of it sparks, an arc of lightning between two little metal nodes.]

I’ll be fine.

[He has a taser!]

[ don't worry, viktor, annabeth doesn't have much fashion sense either. it's what happens when you spend a chunk of your formative years at a summer camp for half gods and live in the nerd cabin. ]

[ teasing, abandoned. ice skating, momentarily un-prioritized. her expression shifts as she looks at the crutch with a spark of curiosity. ]

That's so cool. I'm guessing you made it?

[Perhaps Viktor was just trying to be matter-of-fact about his ability to defend himself, even in a recreational setting. This had been a simple enough build that it's always a bit unexpected, when people are surprised or impressed by it.]

I did, yes. The wilds outside of Cadens can be dangerous--I wanted a way to protect myself, if I ever ventured there.

[ her mother is a war god and she's a nerd! modified weaponry is very cool!! ]

I don't really know a lot about the Free Cities, but the wilds outside Castle Thorne can be hostile too. That's probably the case in any world.

Is that the only modification you made to it?

Unless you count the smuggling compartment, yes.

[Is he joking? Probably not--though he makes no move to show her where said smuggling compartment may or may not be (it's in the handle).]

[ she snorts, joke or otherwise. ]

You wouldn't wanna overdo it and make it suspicious anyway, especially if you're smuggling.

[ a beat. ] Have you ever had to use it?

The compartment, or the weapon?

[She means both, presumably, but Viktor will be a little wry about it, wanting to play things close to the chest.]

I'm not a criminal, Annabeth.

[Only sometimes.]

[ her expression flickers with faint amusement of her own. ]

I am, depending on who you ask. If it helps.

[ she shrugs. has she stolen before? probably. broken into buildings? possibly. has she traveled across the entire continental united states under suspicion of terrorism via her associates (percy) at the age of twelve? no comment. you help blow up a bus one time... ]

The weapon, mostly. I fight a lot monsters back home, so I was just wondering if you'd gotten to use it.

Some laws should be broken, in the correct circumstances. I'm sure I can hardly blame you.

[He has also done some breaking and entering, in his time, and for a good cause (facilitating illegal scientific experimentation). Viktor offers a knowing little smile.]

I've used it, yes. Not on a human, though. Creatures in the badlands.

[Maybe he should stop going out there! But he won't.]

[ she nods emphatically. ] Some laws are stupid.

[ if she thinks they are. ]

Thorne doesn't really like us having weapons, but I guess the Singularity took pity on me. [ a beat. ] And so did the kitchen. [ one crime: knife theft. ]

It's not like monsters are running amok all the time here, but it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you're going out somewhere like that.

[ no judgements on running out into the wilds. ]

Yes, I'm sure the castle provides you some amount of security.

[She doesn't need to tell him about Thorne's frustrating restrictions--his closeness to Kyle means he's well aware. That said, it's not like Cadens doesn't have its own method of surveillance. Just because it's easier for Summoned in the Free Cities to procure weapons and travel doesn't mean they're any less supervised.

They're in agreement about a need to protect oneself, at least. Viktor used to have a harder line about his own making of weapons, until he'd been caught off-guard during an excursion with Ciri.]

I do keep this a secret, though. Just in case.

[Nobody expects to be electrocuted by a mobility device.]

More like a little too much.

[ just give her a knife, she doesn't need a curfew for safety! she doesn't mind being in thorne, as a whole, but the rigidity about weaponry is her least favorite part. ]

I won't tell anyone. [ a beat. ] Not that I think there's many people for me to tell.

[He nods--he's heard that too, of course. There are ways around it, but of course everyone must assess their own risk. Viktor offers a little smile, just barely pulling at the corners of his mouth.]

If I'm accosted by Thornean spies about it, I'll know who to blame.

Gross, if I tell anyone, it's not gonna be those losers.

[ she doesn't even know who they are. ]

I'm good with secrets. Joking or otherwise.

Just checking on your loyalties.

[Because he has now revealed all of his secrets, you see.]

I'm glad they will be safe with you.

Your interrogation could use a little work.

[ but fuck the monarchy etc. ]

I'd say you could make me swear on the River Styx, but it doesn't exist here, so it's probably not as effective.

[He's just a little guy! Not very good at being intimidating--good thing none of this is very serious.]

You can swear on the concept of it. I'll let it slide for now.

The concept can stay at home. [ she's been enjoying this strange reprieve from the home versions of god-nonsense. ]

[ she stands up pretty seamlessly on her skates. it's true, sorry viktor, you do not intimidate her at all right now. ]

If you need to head out before I'm done, just flag me down.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject