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

[techmaturgy]

[It feels too easy is what he wants to say, though of course Kyle has not arrived here without consequence. The Singularity is out of control, and it feels like everything is finally coming to a head. There's no telling how long they'll actually have to enjoy this, or if it's even responsible to do so, given the magnitude of the recent earthquake and the damage suffered.

But still, part of him wants to indulge. To say that they've earned it seems a stretch, but perhaps they deserve it, after all this.]

Of the workshop? Or the town?

[Viktor can do either, or both--the sense is that he's teasing a little, smiling as he snakes a hand around Kyle's waist.]

[ushiri]

[ He smiles back, all of that earlier anxiety shifting back to excitement and curiosity. ]

Here.

[ They did a lot of walking already. Tomorrow they can go back out - he'll need some new clothes anyway, he carried money with him to the Nether even though they don't use gold for currency so he can pay for that himself at least. He noticed damage to some buildings on the way back to the workshop too. ]

I feel like I have to meet your son with Hilda before I move in, at least. [ he teases right back with a sly look. When Viktor first showed him the robot in his domain, he hoped to see it in person one day - though he couldn't have guessed it would be like this. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor smiles at that, the expression subdued but the excitement in his eyes difficult to hide. They've spoken often, of being able to show Kyle his work and inventions in person, and now it's real. There's a thrill in that, despite the other circumstances.]

Of course.

[He motions for Kyle to follow him towards one of the corners of the workshop, where the automaton stands, dwarfing everything else around it. Viktor ducks under its arm, throwing a few switches and unplugging a few cables, talking as he goes.]

They've been trying to dress it up. Bowties, hats. That sort of thing.

[ushiri]

[ He follows behind Viktor, eyeing everything on the desks and walls - and then finally the automaton itself. In person it looks bigger somehow, heavier - or maybe that's only because it can actually crush him here. Viktor seems unbothered, winding his way around it while Kyle remains a handful of paces away at the front of the automaton. ]

They?

[ There's amusement in his tone. Hilda, he assumes - Jesper, if he had to guess another. ]

[techmaturgy]

Hilda. Alucard. Astarion, when he was here.

[He'd conceded, once, with a magnetic bowtie, and it was all downhill from there. He never should have done it. Luckily, they are alone in the workshop right now, which means no interruptions, and he can show off the automaton as it's meant to function.

Viktor flips another switch, then steps out from behind its hulting form, a bulky remote in his hand, covered in dials and knobs and arcana symbols.]

I've been working on replicating her spell--Hilda's, I mean--so that it can function without her.

[ushiri]

[ Alucard is a surprise on that list - the man seems too reserved to be playing dress up with robots...

As funny as the mental image might be, Kyle keeps his costume related commentary at a minimum in favor of letting Viktor actual show him what he asked to see. He slips behind Viktor, winding his arms around his waist and peering over his shoulder at what he's got in his hands. ]

These are the controls?

[ By now he recognizes and can name the individual arcana symbols, if not quite identify their specific usage. ]

[techmaturgy]

Sort of.

[Viktor realizes that's not very explanatory, but the principle of it is that it acts like the Hexcore--he provides the inputs, which are received by the robot's chassis, and it casts the magic, more-or-less. From there, it should be able to complete simple tasks as directed.

He presses the controls into Kyle's hands, grinning, clearly excited to guide him through the process.]

It's an arcana array, for replicating the spell.

[ushiri]

[ Kyle accepts the controls with his arms still looped around Viktor's sides, holding the device gingerly as he turns it around. When he'd seen the automaton in Horizon, Viktor controlled it the same way they controlled anything in that realm, through his own will. His excitement to show off the real thing right now is a little infectious, and endearing - he smiles too. ]

How does it work?

[ He's usually fairly confident about learning new things, but he's trying to take extra care to pay attention and not... destroy anything. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor places his hands over Kyle's, ostensibly to guide them, so if he's nervous about doing the wrong thing, they're both prepared. He'll start by flipping the biggest switch, the one that powers up the automaton. The hull shudders and the eyes come to life, though it remains motionless for now.]

We're going to bind the spell--or the approximation of it, anyway, to the chassis. From there, we can give it simple commands.

[He'll guide Kyle's hands over the buttons and nobs--with each press and twist, he'll see symbols light up across the metal hull.]

[ushiri]

[ The sound of the robot 'awakening' gets a quick gasp, followed by a little laugh under his breath. Beneath Viktor's touch he doesn't seem too tense with his grip on the controls, letting Viktor direct his hands and fingers across the array, glancing down at it and up at the automaton periodically as each new symbols flare across its body. ]

Hello, Perry.

[ He smiles at its expressionless face (imagining it in a bowtie) - though he actually hasn't heard if they've changed the name from Hilda's spell. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor watches, closely, making sure that the spell has adhered, for lack of a better phrase. He fiddles a bit more with the controls before he's satisfied--the automaton will need to stay connected to the rig for now, but he has hopes of replicating the spell more organically, soon.

For now, he'll enjoy the fact that Kyle is impressed by this.]

Go ahead--say hello.

[Perry is fine for now, though as far as Viktor understands there is no continuity between Hilda's spell and his approximation of it. Regardless, it responds to his verbal command--the automaton raises a hand in a wave, and then smoothly extends it forward, for Kyle to shake.]

[ushiri]

[ Kyle's grin widens and he kisses the back of Viktor's head before untangling from him to approach Perry. Even though he's done this exact greeting before in Horizon he treats it like the first time again, taking the automaton's hand - or finger, to shake. ]

Your parents should be very proud of you.

[ He looks over his shoulder at Viktor, amused. ]

How many commands does he know?

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor smiles, genuinely, clearly enjoying the little bit of showing off. The automaton shakes Kyle's hand, gently, its grip tempered and surprisingly articulate, for something so large.]

A few dozen, maybe. Mostly for helping me move things.

[A shrug. Can you blame him?]

Ask it to bring you something.

[ushiri]

[ The gentleness seems in such contrast with its size. He thinks of the walking armor the soldiers spoke about over the summer during the battle in the badlands, and he's quietly glad that the Free Cities seem to have little interest in Viktor's vision for automatons.

Kyle hums and takes a few steps back and looks around the workshop: ]

Bring me a stool?

[ He points to one not too far from its rig. ]

[techmaturgy]

[He's particularly proud of the movement actuators and how dextrous they are, wanting to put some of himself into the automaton, in the delicate way it's able to handle things. Some of that will be lost when it performs hard labor in the mines, but Viktor likes that it can do both.

Kyle asks it for the stool, and Viktor makes a point of not touching the controls. The automaton seems to process the information, following Kyle's index finger to the furniture, then sets off to retrieve it. It lumbers across the room, picking up the stool and then returning to deposit it in front of Kyle.

Viktor gives him a nudge, beaming.]

Say thank you.

[Say thank you to Perry!!]

[ushiri]

[ He pretends to scoff when Viktor nudges him with a wry look - of course! To Perry, his hands makes the general use sign for tumah, or 'peace' and he bows his head, very formal. ]

Thank you, Perry.

[ Kyle raises his eyebrows at Viktor in question, but then goes ahead anyway and points to the same spot as before. ]

Can you put the stool back?

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor finds this satisfactory, even if the automaton cannot respond accordingly. There has been some talk, in the workshop, about giving it a voice, but the fact of the matter is that the technology is not yet advanced enough. The automaton, for all its accomplishment, is not sentient.

One might forget that as it leans over to pick up the stool and return it to its original spot.]

I'd like to take it to the mines, soon. Introduce it to the workers there.

[A wry little smile.]

Perhaps have it move some boxes.

[ushiri]

[ Kyle's grin is a pleased one when Perry executes the second request. He rolls on his heels, then turns to Viktor. ]

Then I'll go with you.

[ Because he can now.

He might be getting a little ahead of himself - it's barely been a few hours, there's going to be issues when he makes it clear he doesn't intend to go back to Thorne. But, finally getting to see all of Viktor's work in person, watching him light up, it makes him happy. ]

I can move boxes for you.

[ Because he can do that too now. ]

[techmaturgy]

Yes, you can.

[Viktor instructs Perry to return to its housing, then powers down the controls. Just like that, the hulking chassis is lifeless again--they can certainly play around later, but there is more to see, and Viktor wants to make sure he doesn't miss anything.

Kyle wanting to go to the mines is endearing. Viktor reaches out for his hand, a sign that he'd like to be sincere, for a moment.]

I'd like to take you to Aquila. And to Libertas, to see the memorial garden.

[ushiri]

[ Kyle watches Perry return to 'sleep' as it looks like, and lets Viktor find his hand when he's finished with the controls, lacing their fingers together. He's been joking with Claude for years about wanting to see the beach in Aquila, long before he thought he'd ever have a reason to come here.

The amusement in his expression fades at the mention of Libertas, his smile a somber one. ]

Okay. [ A small nod. ] I'd like to see it with you.

[ Maybe like is a strong word, but he should see it. He expects Wilhelm will eventually go to, for his own reasons. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor knows that referencing Libertas runs the risk of souring the mood, but it's an important part of the Free Cities, and the memorial is something he had a hand in, so he'd like to share it with him.]

It's a good reminder.

[He shifts, slightly, so that he can be up against Kyle's side, leaning on him instead of his crutch.]

What else do you want to see?

[ushiri]

[ It would come up eventually, and he doesn't seem to mind - he's still just glad to be here. When Viktor moves he puts an arm around his back, making room for him to rest his weight against his side. ]

The ocean, from this side of the world.

[ He's seen it from Nocwich, technically, but never in the daylight, and Aquila is much farther south anyway - Libertas even more so. He shakes his head, dipping his chin with another smile. ]

I want to see everything.

[ He likes exploring, he likes seeing new things. But he's also just as happy to go wherever Viktor wants to. Kyle tilts his head toward him. ]

Thank you again for letting Wilhelm stay here.

[ He knows he said he trusts all of them to take care of themselves, and Wilhelm's an adult - but he would've felt bad leaving him at the inn, especially when he still needs to talk to him. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Everything is what Viktor expects Kyle to say. His curiosity and desire for new experiences is endearing, and he wants to indulge. Viktor turns so that they're face to face, snaking his arms around Kyle's neck.]

I'll show you all of the places I like.

[He's still slightly in disbelief, that it would be so easy to have Kyle here. Viktor knows things will catch up to them eventually (there is still the matter of the Singularity, and the fact that the government will mostly likely try to send him back to Thorne), but for now he resolves to enjoy it while he can, ducking his forehead against Kyle's shoulder.]

He can stay here as long as he needs. [There's a reason Viktor doesn't live at the Inn, and he has the space.] Does he know you don't plan to go back?

[ushiri]

Good.

[ He wants to see what the rest of Viktor's life is like here - he's still having the same trouble believing that he'll actually be part of it now. Kyle puts both arms around him, resting his cheek on the top of his head when Viktor leans into his shoulder, and lets out a small sigh. ]

I still have to talk to him. I want to wait until he's more settled. [ As much as he believes Wilhelm is stronger now, this is a lot of upheaval and uncertainty to put on him all at once, especially for selfish reasons of his own. He didn't expect to need to have this conversation so soon, or to be doing it in the Free Cities. If it had to happen this way, he's glad at least that he can still talk with Wilhelm in person. ]

Wilhelm was raised very sheltered. [ A soft life, in many ways. Over the fabric of Viktor's shirt Kyle's thumb idly circles a topmost metal stud along his spine. ] He was expected to be a certain way, no matter what he really wanted. We both have more freedom here, so... I think he'll understand.

[ He hopes he will. He sounds more certain of it than he actually is when he says this to Viktor, anyway. ]

[techmaturgy]

That's fair.

[Viktor is learning a great deal about Kyle's circle of friends in Thorne--it's difficult not to feel a bit guilty, for taking him away from all of it, even moreso because Kyle is so unapologetic about it. They're doing a selfish thing, but Viktor just has to trust that everyone left in Thorne will be able to take care of themselves, without Kyle to protect them.

He knows the kind of sheltered life to which Kyle refers, and nods, letting out a little sigh as Kyle skims a hand up his back.]

He could stay, too. If he wanted. [An offer he's certain that Wilhelm won't take, but Viktor wants to put it on the table.] Though I imagine Istredd might take issue with that proposal.