abraxaslogs | EVENT #22: KHION

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

( a proper friend would, wouldn't they?

yet they weren't that at all. in fact, if james thought about what the man meant to him and what their relationship was, he would have to admit he was closer to him than anyone else he had encountered here thus far [after all, he drew from him information he hadn't been wanting to share with anyone]-

and yet he didn't like the idea of labeling him as a friend. perhaps an acquaintance at best. even if he had been told that some people had been here years, he just didn't feel like making too many connections outright. )

I would appreciate the help but....I don't have any way of repaying you for it.

( his words cement his feelings, he doesn't want to feel like he owes this person in particular anything. )

Do you think I help my patients because I expect a favour?

[Hands grasp behind his back: controlling his physical discomfort under the guise of a display of confidence. James has reminded him of dealings with Falcone. Not a throughly pleasant experience. Though it is always thrilling to act contrary to ways society expects.]

I help them because I enjoy it. You are no different.

[But fortunately he isn't a patient.]

( somehow....for some reason, james can't quite accept that as a response. yet he did get called out, and despite not fully trusting the man before him, he will apologize.

to keep things peaceful. )

I suppose you're right, I'm sorry. I just...I'm not sure how things work here just yet. It's all like one big dream to me.

( at least he was being honest there. for now though, he'll start walking again, whether crane follows along or not. )

[Crane returns to walking along, showing no concern or care for their situation. He wears his confidence like makeup while keeping pace with the other man. But his confidence turns to introspection, a thoughtful look colouring his face.]

Well, I know this is likely what you don't want to hear: but I know with experience that does get better.

[By being exposed to life. The passage of time heals all wounds or so they say.]

( there's a voice that seemed to float about james' mind when crane said that, almost like an intrusive thought that seeped in-

'it only gets better for those who allow it'.

the man makes a face as his feet drag against the ground, continuing on. he should probably invest himself more into this place if he's going to be stuck here, but really, he had done a lot by even engaging with the horizon. at least...that's what he thought. )

Right...I guess I'm not used to a world with magic and mythical creatures like dragons. Seems like something out of a book I probably read as a kid.

[No magic. No fantasy. Worlds where dragons are nothing but mythology. Worlds where superstition hold real power. Crane keeps his observance of James and his nervous behaviour to himself. Let their relationship develop before introducing short, sharp shocks.]

And what book would that be?

[There are numerous works one could mention. He would think the Chronicles of Narnia especially apt. Coming here does feel like stepping through a wardrobe, doesn't it?]

( the only fantasy in his world was a nightmare- the town of silent hill that had been a breeding ground for the mystic and occult. all of which he knew nothing about, as all he knew was he was drawn to it and trapped by the other world.

that was something he was keeping from crane, both because he didn't care to relive it, and he didn't want to talk about it and accept he had trapped himself there out of guilt for what he did. that was a conversation for another time. )

Any dumb old kids book filled with dragons and fantasy.

( sorry crane, he isn't as talkative about himself or the things he knew. )

I wonder how long until we reach a town or somewhere with people...

Better you don't ask.

[Crane smiles and continues on as his words weigh upon the air. Perhaps they are minutes from a settlement. Help could literally exist around the corner. He refuses to elaborate until the moment has passed. Before the fear has sinked in a little.]

I assume you're not a fan of fantasy, then?

[Calling them "dumb and all".]

( well he certainly won't ask about that little comment because despite the fact that he was starting to become curious about what exactly that meant, truthfully he was never quite good at caring about the outcome of things. especially when he ventured into silent hill, the other world. )

Can't say I ever cared for it.

( as they continued their journey, he did take some time to reflect on that statement however. when he thought about it, he was very grounded in reality for most of his life. so much so, that when his life shattered, he had to turn to fantasy or rather illusions to deal with what he didn't want to realize. )

I didn't picture you to be a fan of the genre.

[Crane angles his head at that observation. He cannot fault James for drawing the same conclusions as most. People do notice his love of science over his love of fantasy and imagination.]

Fantasy is a powerful tool for realizing the truth about ourselves. Writers insert their personal experiences into their works. But do you know why?

[And he finds James's curiosity a curious thing. So he elaborates, attempting to draw out further observations.]

Putting our fears onto the page allows us to explore our trauma in a safe environment. We bring our subconscious terror to the fore and integrate it in a healthy manner. I find it quite effective.

( crane's words and statements brought about a nervousness to james, almost as if someone were peering directly into his soul. a part of him felt like he should have expected this from someone who worked in his profession, yet he lacked any kind of strength to truly muster the thoughts or words to think on it properly. all he could think was-

'something like that wouldn't help someone as far gone as myself.' )

I guess it could work for some people.

( strained and awkward, he continued on wondering if what he said would be taken at face value or further dissected. )

I can't say I've thought about doing that....I can't even remember the last time I actually read a book.

EVENT #22: KHION - IC LOG

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