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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
[ There's probably more than one. Why did she go into a cave? Caves are just asking for spiders and creepy crawlers. She has to fluff out her hair and wipe fingers through it and over it to make sure it can't make a nest in there, instinctively swiping off her clothes too. Just in case! She might not be phobic but she still doesn't want to suddenly feel little legs on her. ]
I know spiders are supposed to be super helpful and must exist but do they really need to exist anywhere near me?
[ She feels pretty sure that she's gotten off whatever it might be, but her skin will probably crawl a little for a few more minutes. It is beautiful in here though, she has to give it that, just like all of the hike up the path so far. ]
You're dangerous with that backpack they'd better fear you.
no subject
Sometimes it'd be great if they just didn't exist at all. [ it's only half sarcastic. ]
[ she furiously wipes down her own arms and legs, trying to comb her fingers through her hair and partially tugging it out of its ponytail in her efforts to make sure she is untouched. at julia's remark, she looks to the backpack and grimaces. ]
Not my finest moment. But whatever works, right?
no subject
[ It's so cold, but ice spiders are apparently a thing to worry about, good to know. Julia's more concerned about whether their bites do something, because a lot of animals in this world seem more dangerous than anything she's used to. It reminds her of Fillory where anything could really happen, especially things that seem relatively harmless. She's only spotted a few of the creepy animals hiding in the forest of Solvunn, but she knows there are several more she's never been able to catch a glimpse of.
Bad thoughts. The spider didn't manage to bite either of them so they probably won't turn into goo or pass out. Or get spun into webs like Frodo. ]
There's supposedly a giant spider creature in Solvunn. I've never seen it or anything, but I'd probably run like I was in a horror movie and trying to be the Final Girl.
[ She doesn't add that it's apparently the creature that killed Nero. It's scary enough all on its own. ]
no subject
[ and she'd been having such a good time on this hike!! at least the cave seems to be the only place for them so far, so annabeth will simply enjoy being outside in the open air for the rest of the trip. ]
[ she glances back at julia and sort of gapes for a second at the mention of a giant spider, swallowing nervously as she immediately, if briefly, thinks of arachne and finds herself shuddering. ]
Solvunn gets less and less appealing. [ gods and spiders?? ugh. ]
no subject
[ Julia didn't get enough time there to investigate, she just knows that the majority of the animals both in the books and in reality could talk. It's not that surprising given that dragons do too, and it's probably to think that humans are the only species that can. At least in a world with everything else being supernatural. ]
I don't know if it's a god, they don't talk about it much outside of warning people not to cross it. Super creepy.
[ Julia has memorized a lot of the god pantheon but she's pretty sure there are others who are just not popular that no one mentions until they feel like they should. Zorne was like that, until he showed up at that recent drama with the heralds. ]
I think there was also a story about a Baba Yaga-like house monster somewhere too. Solvunn's a weiiiiird place.
no subject
[ she's had enough of those!!!!! she does not want to think about arachne right now. ]
I will stay far away from the zone on the off-chance I ever end up there. [ ha. ]
[ sometimes annabeth thinks she should have looked more into the gods of this world from the start, but thorne doesn't put the same value on them, and it had been so easy for her to take advantage of that, to avoid it, especially with her less than happy feelings on gods after tartarus. ]
In some ways everything I hear about Solvunn feels so similar to home. But not in... a comforting way. [ that's the nicest way she thinks she can put it. ] I'm pretty used to weird.
no subject
[ Julia would find talking spiders creepy but in a way she might prefer them, because at least she could then reason with them and tell them to stay a fair distance from her. She could have a Charlotte's Web situation with them. The talking animals in Fillory were unique because it was easy to make friendships with them due to that communication.
Julia immediately ended up steeped in gods. For her it was necessary. She was just about to start her goddess training when she came here, so she felt lost in the face of that. The answer seemed to be to bond with the local gods and see if any of them could help her. The truth is, they didn't really. Endrborrin and her have made a connection and a bond, but she can't exactly ask the goddess to teach her how to be one of them. They're still at least a century from becoming one of these gods. ]
I like it there but there are elements that are uncomfortable. I know I'm a goddess and would eventually start to have worshippers back home, but I'm not ... I guess I wasn't at a point where I would feel comfortable with that. And it's immediate in Solvunn with us. They don't see us as gods but chosen by the gods and it's kind of the same thing.
[ So they ask for blessings and they revere the Summoned. Maybe some people like that, but Julia's still trying to deal with her concept of herself as a goddess. Her rise to power was supposed to be gradual and give her time for the transition. ]
no subject
I think that's why I'm glad to not be there. I feel like so much of my life the last few years has just been one god related task after another. [ she frowns a little. ] I know they exist here, and I know we've been messed with but... there's definitely a lack of presence in Thorne I find kind of...
[ she's not sure how to say this without sounding rude, so, sorry abraxan gods. ]
Refreshing. I'll take the break from being chosen by the gods too.
no subject
[ Not like them when they were gods. The entire continent at that point was aware that gods were everywhere and they could answer prayers wherever they came up. That was a false future though, so not all of it has to be taken seriously, but it still is interesting how little the current gods seem to care about the other areas. ]
Surely there are people who worship in Thorne and the Free Cities? Especially when god stuff keeps happening. Weird. I mean, in my world the gods don't answer prayers anywhere really.
[ But at least that's across the board. Julia was able to establish a bond with Endrborrin so she knows for a fact that the gods pay attention when they're called. Maybe they're just more subtle in the other locations. Hard to say. She gestures for Annabeth to walk with her out of the cavern, it'll put more space between them and the spiders. ]
Anyway, I do not blame you for wanting to take a break. You've got non-stop divine action. This is practically a vacation in that regard.
[ Though Julia wonders if Annabeth misses it too, misses her mom, but she's not going to ask. ]
no subject
[ which she can, to a certain extent, understand, given her own current 'please gods leave me alone' state of mind. ]
Most people back home don't even know the gods are still around, so it's different that way. You can pray to them and make offerings, but it's not always a guarantee of an answer.
[ as pretty as the waterfall is, annabeth happily follows julia out of the cavern and away from the spiders. much like the gods, she's had enough of them too. ]
It's gonna sound crazy, but... you're not wrong. Being in Thorne has been kind of a respite, despite all the craziness and dangers of being there. I don't have any notoriety beyond just being one of the summoned. Back home, Percy and I have been getting called on for years. It was all I wanted for so long but after... you know, Tartarus - it's been really nice to have something of a breather. Even with all the other bullshit that happens here.