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abraxaslogs2024-12-15 09:40 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2024-12-15 09:40 am
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
Maybe you can give me a lesson in relaxing once we get back down, then.
[ Except he isn't fully ready for what Hilda has to say next, and while she tries to pass it off as a joking comment, there's a hint of something else. Steve really should have thought about her run-in with the dragon before he suggested this, but it had slipped his mind, and now he kind of feels like a jerk.
So he slows to a stop, giving them both a chance to get a breather and also make some distance from their guides as he turns to face Hilda with a worried frown. ]
... Sorry, I should have thought about that. Well, if you decide that you don't want to take the ride down on dragon-back, we can always hoof it back. No one's going to force you.
[ It would mean more exercise, but Steve will go along with whatever makes her the most comfortable. ]
no subject
Hilda shoots him a devastated, near tearful look before letting out a dramatic sigh. ]
If we get back down you mean. If we don't I'll have to leave Claude in charge of your relaxing and fun lessons. And he won't do half as good of a job as I will.
[ But right. They were talking about something mildly serious, weren't they? With all her dramatics she seems to forget herself. She comes to a halt beside him, some confusion coming to her features as she takes in the frown on his face. ]
What? [ There's a beat before she realizes what she would consider her own error. Hilda can't help but give him a somewhat sheepish huff. ] This isn't your fault, you know. And if I'm being honest, the thought of having to walk all the way back down this mountain again is just as bad as coming face to face with a dragon.
[ She steels herself, giving him a playful little hip bump. ]
Unless you piggy back me back down, instead?
no subject
Ultimately, he will still leave it up to her, but it's becoming more and more clear that she hadn't meant it as more than a throwaway remark. ]
If that's what it comes to, I will. [ He's a man of his word, after all, and he does nudge her back (gently). ] But I guess you'll have to see how you feel once we reach the top. [ Piggybacking her back really wouldn't be a big deal for him, though, and it also wouldn't be the first time he carried her.
So with that settled, they continue on, though it isn't long before Steve sends Hilda a sidelong glance and a crooked smile. ]
I'm going to tell Claude you said that.
no subject
[ It's often difficult to tell when Hilda is being serious. It's the double edged sword that comes after years of putting a real effort into trying to remain as breezy and unbothered as possible. Apparently even when she's worried about something herself she can't even muster up the energy required to be serious enough about it.
But she might be able to muster the energy, or at the very least, decide what exactly it is she feels about dragons by the time they get up there. If they get up there. ]
Are you sure you can't just carry me up now? I'm feeling a little faint at the thought of seeing one face to face.
no subject
I'll definitely do that, then. [ He won't keep it going for nearly as long as the two of them, this back-and-forth, but for now it's a way for them to pass the time as they hike.
Although Hilda's still looking for ways to get around that. Steve's almost impressed by her sheer audacity, and he sends her an amused glance before asking a pointed question. ]
Where you're from, do they have the fable, "The Boy Who Called Wolf"?
no subject
Trudging up a mountain is not the time to wax poetic or become sappy however.
Which, by the way, she does resume, pushing up from her seat and back (slowly) up the path. ]
Hmm...it sounds vaguely familiar. [ For what it's worth she does sound thoughtful. Though that quickly edges into the teasing territory. ] I get the feeling you're going to tell me though aren't you?
no subject
Well, one way to find out.
He glances back to Hilda as she starts up again, making sure that he keeps his pace slower so that she doesn't end up left behind. He's aware that his legs are a lot longer than hers, along with his endurance being on superhuman levels, though he's used to all that from their training sessions. ]
It's a fable, if you have those — the kind that's meant to teach some kind of moral. The idea is that a shepherd boy keeps calling the alarm that there's a wolf trying to eat the sheep, even though there isn't, just because he thinks it's funny. Then when an actual wolf does come, everyone thinks it's another prank, so they don't help him.
[ He pauses, and purposefully doesn't look back at her. Does she see where he's going with this... ]
no subject
At the mention of fables and morals she lets out a nearly strangled laugh because it's starting to remind her a lot of Setheth. ]
Oh those. We have lots of those. The Archbishop's aide used to tell me those all the time but just in a really long winded way that was hard to pay attention to.
[ Not that she's comparing it to Steve's retelling or anything! Her lips purse thoughtfully before - ]
But there aren't any wolves around here.
no subject
[ That's enough to make him glance over. Steve's aware that the church played a part in Hilda and Claude's lives based on what Claude has told him about what sparked the war that overtook their whole country, but it's somehow still strange to hear it brought up more casually in conversation like this. ]
Back at your old academy, you mean?
[ In his experience fables are more like short stories that kids are meant to find intriguing (and to help teach them morals), but it's no surprise that it seeped into religious teachings too. He remembers plenty of that kind of thing from his upbringing, too.
When Hilda points out the obvious, he huffs out a breath that's almost a laugh and looks forward again, keeping his eye on the path to make sure he does stumble over a stray rock. ]
It's not meant to be literal. My point is that if you keep telling me that you can't bear to go on when you don't actually mean it, when you really do sound the alarm I'm gonna think it's another prank.
[ Since clearly, she's walking just fine right now... ]