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

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie listens. He drops like a dead weight beside Teddy in the frosty ground, struggling to catch his breath in the thin, chilly air. He knows they have his best interests in mind, but he still can’t help but shoot them a withering glare as he takes a swig of the offered water. He’s not angry. He’s not even offended, but he is already very aware that he’s the weakest link here. He’s already the straggler of the group, with the guides falling back every now and then to check on him, just to be certain he’s still alive. He’s not sure how much slower he’s meant to go. ]

The woods? No, no--this isn’t the woods. This is a trek up Mount Doom.

[ It absolutely is the woods and he knows it. He’s just frustrated and grouchy that he let himself be so blinded by the thought of dragons that he didn’t take the terrain into account. And by now, it’s far too late to turn back. ]

Jesus Christ, I can’t believe people do this for fun.

[tedandroses]

[Teddy gives him a rebuking look right back — with a touch of fondness: you dare sass me? - but keeps their eyes on him until he’s had the water and watches his breathing, taking deep slow breaths themself to help cue his body.]

In through your nose, out through your mouth. It actually helps in the cold.

[They can’t help a snort-giggle at Mount Doom. They’d protest that this isn’t a volcano but…a lot of these mountains are, actually, even if not active.]

Is that a sidelong way of asking me to carry you?

[Teddy grins. It would be unwieldy as fuck with their heights, but she probably could get Eddie a little ways. Maybe let’s not try that unless he actually can’t walk.]

I’m pretty sure Frodo never got to do anything as metal as ride a fucking dragon, though.


Mm, yep. [Teddy stands, looking around for something.] Hell, some people even live halfway up mountains. Weirdo hicks. [It’s said jokingly. Teddy knows enough to let Eddie be whiny right now: this has to suck. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t also suck to have things Teddy loves exclaimed over like they’re insane, but it’s almost worse if he admits it stings, so. Deadpan.

They find what they’re after: a long branch, sturdy enough to use as a walking stick, and holds it out to Eddie.]

Take this. It’ll help with footing, and to lean on, plus it helps to keep time. If you keep a beat in your head it’s easier to not rush. I like picking a real song as long as it’s chill enough that you can keep taking full breaths.

[satanicpanics]

[ Given the opportunity, Eddie would give them the full nerd rant about Mount Doom and how it isn’t just a volcano and lapses into dormancy without Sauron’s presence and becomes active when he returns, but breathing is difficult enough as is. He doesn’t need to add the weight of Tolkien to his shoulders as well.

He takes a moment just to breathe, a moment to follow Teddy’s lead—in through the nice out through the mouth, and it does help. Eventually, just when he’s vaguely contemplating quitting smoking, his puffing and huffing evens out, and he can toss that idea away like the garbage it is. ]

Uh, in case you’re forgetting? Frodo rode a giant eagle back down. Which is pretty damn metal if you ask me.

[ Maybe not on dragon levels, but Eddie wouldn’t turn his nose up at a giant eagle. He pauses and eyes Teddy thoughtfully, like he’s really considering making them carry him. ]

Yeah, you know…it was, but, uh…I don’t think that’s gonna work.

[ His legs would be dragging on the ground. He’ll ask Steve later. Steve won’t say no. ]

Uh huh. Well, I guess some of us other freaks just weren't meant to rise above sea level.

[ He isn’t trying to insult Teddy or the place they come from. He just views this hike the same way he views a basketball game: not wholly uninteresting, sometimes something happens, but definitely not for him. But he doesn't mean anything by it, and his complaints are seemingly forgotten for the time being as he reaches out to take the offered walking stick and leans on it with a grin, finally on his way to becoming the gnarled old wizard he was also meant to be. ]

What do you think? I could be the next Gandalf, right?

what it's only a MONTH LATE 🙄

[tedandroses]

[Teddy may have been the biggest actual Tolkien geek among their high school friends -- which most people don't realize has the place it has among gamer musicians, but probably with a little more competition for space in, say, '09 than '79 (or whatever ages they both were when they first cracked a spine) -- but they'll be the first to admit there's a vast knowledge gap between them and people who can give details on the Silmarillion without opening it or even a coherent timeline of travel times. And it's been a while.

They did know the giant eagle thing, though. I mean. The eagles are kind of a thematically Big Deal.]

I mean, yeah, it's pretty metal, but dragons, Eddie.

[Teddy snorts at that dubious tone and holds out a hand to him to tug him up]

I could fireman carry you if it was bad enough. Or bridal style?

[They mime it, arms out and lift an eyebrow.]

Maybe I'll leave that one to Steve, though. [Teddy represses a grin. She's obviously been aware of the changing dynamics of their extended friends group -- more openly expressed, at least. With Robin here too now, Teddy's let herself step back a little from wanting to be involved in everything. Besides, obviously she's had some of her own complicated developments in that arena to keep her busy. She's typically careful to avoid being That Friend Who Disappears When They Start Dating Someone, but when it happens in stereo, it's a little different.

But they haven't really talked about these things, and shit, if she can't tease her friends about being happy, what can she tease them about?]

[Teddy smirks, relaxing a little. His rebuttal makes them feel better. It's not Eddie's fault they default to being kind of a hedgehog about mountain folk. Or a pufferfish: you get close and the spikes come out, even though they're mostly useless and often at nothing.

They intone in a somewhat terrible David Attenborough:]

And here we see a rare instance of two subspecies of nerd guitarist interacting, yet adapted to very different environments! Amazing.

[Eddie gets a real laugh at that. Teddy "frames" him with his hands.]

I mean, you've got the fancy weed and everything. Hell, you can even turn into a bat, that puts a whole new twist on fly, you fools.

...What does that make me, Legolas or Aragorn?
[As a teenager with very little idea why, Eowyn had been their favorite. I am no man indeed. But the Rohirrim weren't exactly mountain climbers either. High steppe, maybe.]

[satanicpanics]

Uh huh. But you brought it up, and the dragons? Totally extinct in Middle Earth by the Third Age. Frodo never could have run into one anyway.

[ Proving that while Teddy may not be familiar with the timelines and anything in the Silmarillion…well, Eddie is. He could launch into a half-hour rant about elven politics and their intricacies given the opportunity, but he really does need to conserve his strength. ]

But the eagles—

[ With a grin, he lets Teddy pull him up. Wherever he was going with turning the subject back to the eagles is just going to have to remain a mystery, because he does not elaborate. He merely brushes himself off and works at steadying himself before he even attempts another step.

He gently swats Teddy’s arms away and rolls his eyes. It’s true that things have changed quite a bit in the last few months, but Eddie doesn’t feel like he’s changed. He’s gained Robin, but he hasn’t pushed away anyone else to make room for her. Even the shift in his relationship with Steve has felt so natural that he hasn’t really talked openly about it with anyone but Robin. He’s aware that there’s nothing particularly secretive about his relationship with Steve. They’re almost irritatingly obvious, actually, but it hasn’t really felt the need to make it breaking news either.

Meanwhile, he remains none the wiser about Teddy and Chris. ]

Yeah, well, the joke’s on you. Because apparently the fireman carry is “safer” and more “stable”. So neither one of us “tumbles down the mountain” and “breaks every bone in our bodies”.

[ He punctuates the entire statement with many unnecessary air quotes, and it’s clear that this is a conversation he and Steve have already had. ]

How long have you known about that anyway?

[ Because no, it’s not a secret, but how many people are really paying attention?

Eddie chuckles, then eyes them scrutinizingly for a moment, as if he’s truly thinking about the answer to their question, and then— ]

Neither. You’re Tom Bombadil. Clearly.

[tedandroses]

Technically, I believe you were the one who said Mor-- waaait. [Their brow furrows, because they absolutely trust Eddie knows his shit, but when the fuck is the Third Age relative to events, because -- ]How totally extinct are we actually talking here? I know Bilbo's old as fuck by the beginning of Fellowship, but uh, dragon fairly instrumental to The Hobbit.

[Eddie hasn't done anything wrong; Teddy just instinctively assumes things like "the new-boyfriend-already-best-friend and the new close friend from home take precedence" and tends to take a step back. Although, she and Chris are getting pretty obnoxious, so it's entirely possible Eddie's assessment of himself is a little biased.

She snorts at the air quotes.]
I mean, if you had asked me to carry you, your lanky ass would be over my shoulders, because Steve is [air quotes], "hypothetically" -- alas -- "totally correct". Don't tell Chris, though. I apparently talked him into giving me a piggyback ride home when I had a seizure in the middle of town, and if it happens again, I totally prefer that to my memory kicking in halfway to upside down --[They lift an eyebrow at the question, huffing a laugh.]

How long have I known about what? You guys getting your shit together? Or you having a thing for Steve? Because being uh, God-Tier commonlaw for like 600 years and then coming back and just being...all...[Teddy waves], you two at each other, gave that part up pretty early, man.

[There's a momentary rocky bit, and Teddy gauges it, using her own stick to steady herself and hop up to pause on the rock first instead of trying to step over. Eddie's probably tall enough to just climb over, but she turns and offers a hand anyway, given how much trouble he's had with the ascent.]

The other part...less long. But I mean... [He glances down, fond and self-conscious.] You don't have to make out in public for me to notice you're happier.

[Eddie's reply catches Teddy off guard and they laugh, smile widening as they think about it.] I love that! [Of course. Someone who can speak to trees, who writes poetry. Bonus, married to, basically, a river nymph? Hell yeah.] I'm a Bombadil fan. Also, if you're Gandalf, perfect. They're clearly bros.

[satanicpanics]

Uh huh, incredibly instrumental, but! Smaug was the last of the great dragons. And where was Smaug at the end of The Hobbit?

[ He grins, and he gestures to Teddy like he’s considering letting them actually answer the question, but he just can’t control himself where Tolkien is involved. He pauses for only a second, then takes it upon himself to blurt out the answer: ]

Dead in the ruins of Lake-town, slain by Bard the Bowman. There may have been a few fire-drakes left after that, but they were gone by the War of the Ring, so for all intents and purposes? Smaug was the very last.

[ Sometimes, it’s almost comedic how much of a nerd Eddie really is. If he had any academic ambitions at all, his leather-and-metal exterior would be the only thing keeping him out of stereotypical 80s television nerd territory. ]

Okay, but Teddy, you’d have to actually get my lanky ass over your shoulder to begin with, and, uh…I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that’s physically impossible.

[ One of these days, he’ll stop poking fun at Teddy’s height. If he were more perceptive, he could poke fun at them about Chris, but until that day comes or until someone points it out to him, this is the only ammunition he has to aim at Teddy and the painfully easy time they’re having navigating the mountain path. And yeah, he hasn’t missed the mention of Chris, but anyone would have helped out if they’d found Teddy in the midst of a seizure, and helping is kind of Chris’s thing.

Must mean nothing! ]

Hey, hey, hey. I’m sorry, give me a little credit here. You try waking up after 600 years of, as you put it, “God-Tier commonlaw” with your roommate and successfully pretend it’s all normal. That was some hard work.

[ Work he’d still be putting in now if Clarisse hadn’t given he and Steve such a huge push, but he can’t say he’s unhappy. He has worries, all tied to the fact that he is still very much dead and doesn’t believe home is an option available to him and he’d never let Steve or Robin stay here…but he’s making the best of it while he can. ]

Hell yeah.

[ He grins. Despite being plenty tall enough to clamber up on his own, he takes their hand and its him help him over the rock. He’s still struggling, but the rest and the fact that Teddy has given him an a conversation and something else to hold his attention has helped quite a bit. ]

Bombadil is badass. Did you know they totally cut him out of the movies? I thought Wanda just misremembered when she showed them to me, but nah, everyone says he’s just gone.

[ He’s lucky he got to see the films at all, and he has relatively few complaints when all he’s ever had back home is the animated version, but the complaints he does have…Well, he feels very strongly about the complete lack of Glorfindel and the scouring of the Shire being glossed over. ]