EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event 22 - Khion

OOC Event Log ⦁ The Nether

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.

---

Comments

[ordinar]

[So what he's learning is that Annabeth is not a big fan of spiders. Honestly, he can't blame her. The way they scuttle around on all those legs is creepy, and the ones dripping from the cave's walls are huge.

He doesn't tell her that another one is swinging down then. He just yanks her arm and folds her behind him while he lobs his fire again. His aim is too good. Instead of just scaring the spider away, he hits the thing dead on. As it falls from its thread, legs flailing and mandibles wriggling, Wilhelm heroically whimpers in terror and grabs Annabeth's arm.]

Where did it go?

[The spider's frosty carapace blends in with the ice that clings to every rock around them. This is the worst thing about spiders — knowing that one is there, but not knowing where exactly.]

[sophos]

[ annabeth and spiders are probably arch-enemy levels at this point. you'd think after her experience in rome, she might have come out with a new hold on her phobia, but no. one surprise icy boy and it's just as bad as it always was. ]

[ she literally ducks her head down and hunches over behind wille when he shoves her there, jumping when he grabs her arm and letting out another yelp, muffled as she covers her mouth with one hand, backpack still dangling ferociously from the other. ]

[ where did it go?? her? you want HER to look? oh absolutely not. she swings the backpack above her head, a barrier between her and any other potential horrors while she stomps her foot on the ground, just in case. ]

I'm not looking! [ her voice is far more shrill than intended. ] Didn't you kill it?

[ordinar]

[He stomps his boot on the ground at random too, hoping to strike the creepy crawly. His eyes flit across the glittering ice formations, searching for signs of movement.]

I don't know! [His voice jumps up higher than usual too, like it's trying to get away from the spider on the loose.] It was still moving when it fell.

[There. The creature gives itself away with scuttling legs as it dazes across the floor of the cave. Unable to scrounge up pity for its wounded state, Wilhelm turns his fire against it. His palm flips over, and the ball of flame falls like a hammer. The spider falls still. His shoulders loosen with a breath of relief.]

[sophos]

[ annabeth is doing as she says and simply not looking. ]

[ she does notice wille stomping away and hears his relieved sigh, but she's still a little frozen on the spot, fitting in pretty well with the cave itself. ]

[ okay, girl. breathe for the love of aphrodite - no, artemis would be better here, and in all cases. she draws in a sharp but quiet breath, reaching out to rest her free hand on wille's back, because her backpack remains above her head like a ward. ]

Was that it? Did you get it?

[ordinar]

[He turns back to find Annabeth still wielding her backpack like a shield against a volley of arrows. It's a little funny that this girl who has braved all kinds of monsters shrinks at spiders, but he commutes his laughter into a warm smile as he braces her arm with a gloved hand.]

I got it. [And a survey of their surroundings reveals no further legions of spiders making their descent.] Let's...go back out.

[Annabeth seems like she's done enjoying the cave. They've given the ice formations their due, if short-lived, reverence, and they can continue to soak in the beauty of the mountain outside.]

[sophos]

[ wow, wille, you get traumatized multiple times by spiders and see how you handle it !! ]

[ annabeth looks up and over at him after he says he got it, taking a deep breath as she lowers her backpack and tries to ignore the sudden flush of embarrassment she feels. her jaw tightens and she nods, hauling the bag over one shoulder as she turns around and starts back towards the exit. no disagreements there. ]

Thanks.

[ her pace is very quick, almost as quick as her thanks, but she's mindful enough to avoid slipping on any ice patches on the way out. the fresh air is so welcome right now. ]

[ordinar]

[He jokes with a little shrug:]

I can be very heroic sometimes.

[Gathering a new flame, he follows after her. As they emerge from the cave, he decides to take the merciful route of pretending that they just came out here to enjoy the view, and the whole thing with the spiders never happened. That doesn't mean he won't tease her about it another time. Though, if he knew how deep the roots of her fear grew, he would be more careful.]

Have you ever flown on a dragon before?

[It seems like something she might have already done.]

[sophos]

I know you're joking, but don't sell yourself short either.

[ once they are successfully outside, annabeth draws in a deep breath of the fresh air and immediately feels better, knowing the sky above her isn't hoarding any creepy crawlies to drop on her head. the cave is pretty, but right now she definitely prefers this view. ]

No, but we have one at Camp. He guards the Golden Fleece and the barrier for us. Between them and drakons, they're usually not very friendly, so I'm pretty excited to actually fly on one down the mountain. Did you get to meet them here before?

[ordinar]

[There are plenty of heroes around here, but Wilhelm doesn't feel like one of them. He's just an ordinary person trying his best to keep up and not cause problems for everyone else. He does, however, derive a small sense of pride from saving his friend — the daughter of Athena, no less — from peril. Even if the peril was just spiders.

As Annabeth explains, he shakes his head fondly. Of course they had a dragon at their camp for godly kids.]

A little bit. They were sick, so I spent more time with the baby dragons. I'm glad they've gotten their strength back.

[sophos]

[ it IS a great peril to her! but even outside fending off the spiders, annabeth thinks very highly of wille. maybe she just needs to make sure she actually tells him so. ]

[ she catches his expression as he shakes his head, and it does serve to at least chase off more of the lingering spider anxiety. ]

His name is Peleus. [ for the record. he's a very good dragon. ]

Considering their liveliness in the cider tents, yeah, I'd say they're doing just fine now. [ but she says it with a grin, so clearly their mischief is endearing. ] It's kinda fun, hanging out with them.

[ordinar]

They're fucking menaces.

[But he bestows this distinction on the baby dragons fondly.]

Ready to meet the big ones?

[Hierus and Kruos, who presently lounge among the rock slabs that jut like the spine of a great beast from the mountain's peak. There's a regality to their bearing, and an improbable litheness to their large bodies. As the Summoned explore, the dragons watch over the scene with pride as palpable as the cutting air. They seem happy to share the beauty of their realm with their visitors.]

[sophos]

That almost sounds like a compliment.

[ sometimes... being a menace is fun. she might understand that dragon habit. ]

[ but her eyes sort of brighten when he mentions the other ones, flashing over to where they sit and wait. they look so calm, almost regal, and it keeps throwing her off - obviously dragons have a certain majesty to them, but usually they're about to commit attempted homicide in her direction. none of that dampens her intrigue, of course. ]

I know they're very nice dragons, but it's still wild to see them just, you know, sitting there, hanging out and vibing, and I don't have a target on my back.

[ordinar]

[He can be something of a menace himself sometimes... But those baby dragons really elevate it to an art form.]

Come on. Let's make friends with a dragon.

[Picking their way among the icy rocks, they head to where the dragons seem to preside over the mountain. Halfway there, Wilhelm realizes that he isn't sure how to approach the adult dragons. The baby ones, for all their mischief-making, are a lot easier to be around. Fortunately, Hierus — whose tough black hide makes him look like he should be sieging a castle somewhere — breaks the ice first, so to speak, by craning his neck to peer curiously at them.]

Uh...hey.

[Wilhelm gives a little wave.]

[sophos]

[ he doesn't have to tell her twice. annabeth thrives on befriending any and all creatures when possible. ]

[ she climbs through the rocks with relative ease, feeling her excitement brewing the closer they get to the dragons. there's no warning in her gut as they approach, no sensation of danger, which is a very welcome feeling. ]

[ she can't help but mimic wille, giving her own little wave and trying to temper some of her silly delight about it. should they do introductions?? is that polite to a dragon?? ]

I'm Annabeth. This is Wilhelm.

[ pause. she leans in to whisper at him. ]

Wait, do you know this one already?

[ordinar]

[He shakes his head, unable to remove his eyes from the dragon, whose serpentine tongue flicks out to get a sense of them.]

I only saw him. We didn't— [Talk, he almost says, but that's not quite right.] —meet.

[Come to think of it, he's not even sure, between Hierus and Kruos, which is the male and which is the female. It's hard to tell with dragons. Wilhelm clears his throat.]

The mountain is beautiful. We're ready to go back now.

[In answer, Hierus climbs down from his (her?) rocky perch, graceful despite his massive body, the movement like the pour of magma. He lowers himself in such a way, fanning his great wings, that makes it easier for them to climb onto his back.]

[sophos]

[ annabeth holds herself very tall and very determined, because while it's a little intimidating to be before a dragon like this because of the sheer size of it, she doesn't feel like she has anything to worry over. she's mostly still just excited. ]

Well. Now you get to meet him.

[ she watches with fascination as the dragon moves, almost like he's rolling out a pseudo-welcome mat. she bites back a grin and moves closer, looking back once to make sure wille is going to follow her, because she doesn't want to leave him behind, but she very much wants to ride this dragon now. ]

Thank you for the ride! [ she says it a little loud, not sure how good their hearing is? she just wants to make sure the dragon knows she is grateful!! ]

[ to wille: ] I'll go first.

[ it's less out of concern for his climbing skills and more she literally just wants to go first. ]

[ordinar]

[He lets Annabeth take the lead, following after her. The last time he'd seen Hierus, the dragon had seemed smaller with sickness bearing down on him. Now, healthy and strong, his appearance strikes the same chord of awe as the mountain view.

As Annabeth climbs onto the dragon's back, Wilhelm spots from the ground in case she starts to slip. But of course, she mounts the creature with easy grace. He soon joins her, suddenly grateful for all those years of riding lessons. His thighs and calves are gripping the dragon's sides for dear life.]

I'm warning you right now that when he starts moving, I'm holding onto you.

[Sorry, that's the price you pay for riding shotgun.]

[sophos]

[ annabeth has been riding pegasi since she was seven. they're no dragon, but it's still a flying creature, so she seems relatively at ease, even if the scales definitely have a different feel. ]

[ once she's settled, she turns and sort of hovers her arms in case wille needs a leg up, but he does pretty well climbing aboard. she just lets out a little laugh at his remark as she situates herself more safely and comfortably. ]

I think I'll survive. Can't be worse than a pegasus.

[ which she also enjoys taking shotgun for when they gotta double up, as much as the horses would prefer not to. ]

[ordinar]

[He lays a hand on the dragon's flank, aiming for a respectful gesture.]

Alright...we're ready, Hierus.

[Hierus, dipping his head in acknowledgement, lifts himself from the rock and lopes toward the edge of the mountain. His wings spread around Annabeth and Wilhelm, beating the air to gain traction until finally, he launches into the sky. Wilhelm, with his arms locked around Annabeth's middle, lifts his face from the back of her shoulder to take in the view as they glide down.

(Well, what he can see of it when her ponytail isn't whipping him across the cheeks.)]

[sophos]

[ she was correct. this might be even better than a pegasus, though she'll never tell blackjack. ]

[ annabeth lets out a delighted laugh after they're settled in the sky, bracing her hands on the dragon's back to keep herself balanced as hierus soars down the mountain. she tries to look around at everything but not even her brain can take it all in, so she settles for simply enjoying the feel of flying and catching what she can. it's like extreme sports of her dreams. ]

[ she pats wille's arm briefly and tries to yell over the wind at him. ]

You okay back there?