abraxaslogs | EVENT #22: KHION

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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

It’s human-shaped so that the miners won’t be afraid of working alongside it, not for you to dress up.

[But they’ve had this argument many times before. Viktor wants to automaton to be utilitarian, every frivolous addition a safety concern. Hilda and Alucard find it amusing, to anthropomorphize it with bowties and top hats. They aren’t going to see eye-to-eye.

Still, he gestures emphatically into the air between them.]

One day your accessories will get caught on something and someone will get hurt. That’s what I’m trying to avoid.

Edited 2024-12-31 22:24 (UTC)

Well, it isn't as if we're dressing him up while he's working.

[But he'll concede the point and let it go with a small little grumble of agreement. Viktor's right. If the automaton is dressed up while mining, well, that's a real problem. No one needs to get hurt.

He stretches his legs out slightly, eyes resting on Viktor's hat. There must be something under there...]

How has it been going up with the miners?

It is a slippery slope.

[First, hats and bowties. Then what? Viktor refuses to indulge such a thing.]

The same, I suppose. They are, as always, resistant to change. But I have been working on shielding technology for them--for rockfall, that sort of thing. That should be easier for them to accept.

I trust you'd put your foot down and remind us of safety protocols.

[Alucard will leave it be though.]

I'd dare say so. Do you need any help up there, in Astarion's absence?

[He can certainly argue that's what he's doing now--reminding Alucard of the safety protocols, but Viktor has enough sense to know when to leave things.]

I'll let you know if I do. It's mostly that the children miss him, and there isn't much I can do about that.

[The rest is politics as usual.]

...I had not idea that small children enjoyed his presence so much. I'm. [Trying to picture it. It is not easy and he's a little apologetic about the laugh that follows.] I wonder what he thought of it.

[But he understands what that pause means. He frowns, shaking his head.]

I wish change didn't have so many petty obstacles.

He spent a lot of time there.

[And Viktor knows that Astarion had some investment in the miners, by the end. He's thankful for that, even if talking about him is bittersweet--he can only hope that he's returned home, safely.

Of course, they're in agreement about the slow march of progress.]

It was the same at home. I should be used to it, by now.

[Alucard's smile is soft and sympathetic. It is a reminder of why he values Viktor and his friendship. A return to something simpler, before the threats of godhood made everything so fucking weird.

And Alucard made it weird. He made it really, really fucking weird.]

I'd call that optimism. Or hope. Either way, that you still have it speaks volumes to you, Viktor.

Yes, in spite of everything.

[That said, he's a bit more optimistic about accomplishing something in the mines now that he's cut a deal with the government--of course, he wishes it didn't have to be this way. As always, he makes the best of it.]

Though with the Singularity's current activities, I can't help but wonder how much time we really have.

[Before this world fundamentally changes.]

It always comes back to that rock, doesn't it?

[Alucard exhales, letting cynicism color his voice.]

I don't like it nor do I trust it. It shouldn't be so feisty in the dark winter.

[Viktor nods, and shrugs. There's little more to say on the Singularity that they haven't discussed extensively. Everything is that damn rock's fault, and he imagines that it's only going to get worse.]

It's more than feisty. The increased activity, the earthquakes...something is coming.

It'd only make sense for it to happen now. Perhaps I'm projecting, but it feels like the rock does have a flair for the dramatic.

[It takes one to know one. Or something like that.]

I think that projecting human-like qualities onto the cosmic entity that is the Singularity is potentially dangerous.

[He's spoken on that before, when it comes to questions of morality--whether a rock in the desert can be good or evil.]

But I will say this is inconvenient.

Rather than just silly, which is what your hat is addressing at the moment.

[Alucard is curious, but he won't force a reveal either.]

I'd also gently point out that it is natural to project human-like qualities onto cosmic entities. It is a hallmark of humanity.

[He shrugs! It's not coming off--if Alucard wants to see what's underneath, he might need to get physical, which Viktor certainly does not condone.]

It's natural, yes. We try to understand things in the context of what we already know. I'm simply recommending an analysis that's more, eh. Outside-the-box.

[They're just getting back to normal, he is not risking it!]

I think we'd need to start to develop new tools to examine the Singularity then, and time feels short. Unless you have existing theories?

I don't think this is something actionable.

[In that, he's not about to start a whole new set of experiments on the Singularity. It's simply something he's thought all along, that they cannot treat it as anything more or less than a cosmic entity that plays by its own rules. It's unknowable.]

Only that we should remember it doesn't have emotions or morality as we might understand it.

No, most likely not.

[He's so tired of this rock.]

I know. It just...happens.

[They should try to talk about something that isn't the stupid rock. Alucard pauses, tilts his head slightly.]

I've noticed there's no official sledding here, but a few good inclines for it.

[Viktor offers a noncommittal noise, sensing that Alucard would rather move on from philosophical debates about that stupid rock. That said, the next topic is unexpected, and Viktor fixes him with a raised eyebrow.]

You...want to go sledding?

[Alucard's grin is a little fangy. Dare he say...mischievous.]

Two people on a sled increases the speed, you know.

Yes, that's how physics works.

[He's very well-versed, thanks. Viktor does not, however, seem very amenable to this idea.]

You could sit in it, and I could give you a push.

[That's as far as he's going.]

...This was my suggestion of an outdoor activity to do together.

[Whatever, he's putting the cards on the table there.]

[Viktor fixes Alucard with a look that indicates bafflement as to why anyone would think he'd enjoy sledding as an activity. Beyond that, it's not necessarily what he might envision Alucard likes, either.]

It just seems-- [Unwise. Ripe for bodily harm.] --a bit whimsical, for you.

--Well, I'm open to other suggestions.

[Look. He'll accept the look. Shut up Viktor, he wants to capitalize on the good vibes right now.]

You don't like sitting here, enjoying each others' company?

[There might be just a tinge of mock-hurt in his voice! What a stunning betrayal this is, clearly.]

You want to put me on a disc and ride it down a hill at high speeds.

[And then they'd have to get back up the hill!]

EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

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we can probably do a little wrappy wrap