Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

[faileas]

Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath

Down, Down, Down The group leaves on the morning of the 16th, a band consisting of Mirrorbound, Theodore and Sowilo from the Coven, and one of the two returned Wilders to lead the way. The latter three will only be present for the first leg of the journey: from the North Gate to the Northern Outpost by teleporter, then a few hours' hike to the site. A tunnel yawns open, fallen rocks built up around it in mounds. Everyone is offered enchanted lanterns to light the way, and their guide takes them perhaps a mile down before he and the pair from the Coven must part ways with the Mirrorbound. The poorly-lit tunnel leads steadily downward. The way is marked by their gracious hosts to be, with arrows drawn in softly-glowing algae painting the walls so there is no mistaking which way to go; a good thing, because the deeper the party goes, the more tunnels branch off of the largest one, twisting and turning into the dark. It takes some hours to reach a familiar cavern lit with algae and glowing crystals, a herd of the velvet wormipedes idly milling about the small lake and stream that led into town in the dream. Much nicer long boats are set up and waiting to take them deeper, along with respectfully quiet Monster guards to steer them. They take a slightly different route from the dream, but before long, they reach the curtain of grayish green moss that dangles down into the water, stretched across the wide tunnel exit like a membrane. It parts on its own as the boats pass, though beware if you are infected by the Cwyld - it will not allow passage, only reach out long, tough tendrils to try and envelop you, the touch of it burning acid-bright where it is harmless for those uninfected. Past the curtain of strange moss, the cavern city opens up before them, vast and spacious, dimly lit with more algae, crystals, and softly glowing orbs of magic. It's like being plunged into an eternal twilight, somehow soft, cast in gentle colors. The boats bypass the markets this time, drifting farther down a branching stream into the city proper, to dock next to stone platforms. The winding streets and flowing canals branch out all around them with no rhyme or reason, the city sprung up around the natural layout of the caverns rather than the other way around. Buildings are carved out of tall stone spires, the windows and doors covered in fluttering silk, many of which are pulled away so that fascinated locals can peer out at the scene unfolding. The Matriarch herself comes to greet the group, ringed at the back by spear-carrying guards, all Monsters. A tall, long-limbed Arachne woman bearing battle scars and stark white hair, she looks perhaps in her 30s, and speaks with a booming, commanding voice, amplified by a charm. As she speaks, ten Wilders are released from silk rope bonds and nudged to join the Mirrorbound; they're a little roughed up, perhaps, and shaken, but none are seriously injured. A few Monsters also make the rounds, placing copper tokens in the hands of ten individuals. "Welcome, travelers! This meeting was foretold and so it has come to pass. During your stay you will be treated as our honored guests. You may come and go as you please, but we ask that you use the same tunnel you entered through; we have not yet re-secured the other entrances from Cwyld nor the tribes. I would hate for danger to befall you while you are under my care." Her smile is wide, her eight eyes bright, and her teeth are very sharp. "We have prepared temporary residences for your use. I hope you will stay for the celebrations. I look forward to meeting with some of you very soon." Notably, she does not mention the surface where from the Mirrorbound came, and those around her do not ask.

I. The City The Mirrorbound receive mixed reactions from the Underground. Some are fascinated by these visitors personally invited by the Matriarch and allowed past the markets; others are wary and suspicious, believing them to be wolves in sheep's clothing. In the city proper, most passing Monsters are armed, but this doesn't seem to be anything new. Still, step cautiously - plenty do not take well to even unknowing offense and will pick a fight, or may see these guests as easy, weak targets to pickpocket or mug in the dark corners of the twisting streets. The guards only step in if things take a turn for the worse or if the fight is very obviously imbalanced - they step in more for Witches being attacked than Monsters, because they feel Witches require protection more. Still, not all are so unscrupulous: more citizens are delighted to talk, even if they still seem skeptical about a whole world up above. Mirrorbound, as guests of the Matriarch, are given nearly free run of the city, allowed to explore such locations as the marketplace, the library, the shops, the schools (the Arena for Monsters and the Academy for Witches), and the tunnels and caverns outside the protective moss barriers. The only places they (and most locals) are expressly barred from are the Matriarch's audience hall, the upper level of the library, and the guards' barracks. a. The Marketplace The marketplace is much larger than previously thought - it rings the entire city, and stalls spill onto the streets of the inner city as well in a lazy sprawl. There are some shops with actual buildings, but they're fewer and more expensive: alchemy and apothecary shops, a couple of restaurants, a weapons shop or two, nice clothing shops. Most, though, are independent merchants who set up and take down their stalls every day and night. Any number of Underground-sourced foods, clothing, weapons, trinkets, and more can be found at the stalls; they barter, or exchange chips of precious metals and gems, but they'll take cune coins with fascination. The marketplaces are the liveliest areas of the city with Monsters and Witches alike, from all walks of life, mingling and sharing gossip and idle talk. Those who lost items to the burrowing hyenas at the Northern Outpost some months ago should keep an eye out: the hyenas are fairly common down here, serving the roles of pets or working dogs for Underground citizens, and a few merchants deal in more interesting goods. The missing items can be found scattered across some stalls, and the merchants will gleefully tell perusers that these things come from the surface, aren't they fascinating? Don't you want to buy? Luckily, it shouldn't be too hard to get your things back. They'll take all manner of interesting trinkets in trade. b. Library The library is bound to be a popular stop. Monsters get some strange looks if they enter the spire just off the courtyard from the Academy, but they aren't barred from entry; most just feel that reading is for Witches. The building is only two levels - one closed off at the top, guards keeping everyone out, and the rest is just one very tall floor ringed with a spiral of platforms and stairs to access the honeycomb-shaped shelves built into the walls. All their books are written on scrolls of silk, and the librarians bark at patrons to be delicate with them, some are very old. If one has endless time, the scrolls can offer a look at life Underground: historical accounts of past Matriarchs, brave warriors and battles against nomadic tribes or hideous beasts, their history as they know it, scrolls on offensive and defensive magic for Witches, fighting techniques for Monsters, information on their unique flora and creatures that can be found outside the city, and even plenty of fiction - sword and sorcery novels all set in the tunnels and the city. It's just a bit difficult to find what, specifically, you're looking for, because if there's any kind of organization, it only makes sense to the deep-dwelling denizens. Maybe make it a team effort! You'll also need some simple translation spells, because their system of writing is quite different to the common system in Aefenglom; even then, it may not be accurate on older scrolls. c. The Guest Villa Those who choose to spend several days in the Underground are given modest accommodations in a tall stone building. These guest chambers boast gentle lighting, wide beds, backless sofas, potted decorative fungi, and stone furniture. It's... cozy, with humble individual rooms and larger common rooms for gathering. The algae grows in delicate patterns across the walls, pulsing in soft colors. They've gone out of their way to provide what comfort they can, but there aren't enough rooms for everyone to have their own - everyone will need to share with one or two others, so choose someone you can get along with.

II. The Tunnels Mirrorbound are not restricted only to the city. There are many entrances to the cavern where it resides, the openings all covered with sheets of that same gray-green moss; some wider tunnels obviously see more use than other, narrower ones, and the footpath of many Underground denizens is easy enough to trace, the stone worn smooth. The path to the velvet wormipede cavern is one of them; they're raised as livestock, all at once food, transportation, and producers of silk and hide for clothing. This is much the same as the dream. Another well-worn tunnel leads upward to an agricultural center, though, and still more lead out into the wild. They're warned, but not hindered, before they leave for anywhere other than the farms or the livestock cavern; dangers abound in the Underground. Those who do much wandering may notice something going on as well; the guards stationed at each tunnel mouth can often be found talking to each other in low voices about an unknown red algae that seems to be growing on the protective moss. It can be found primarily around the lesser-used tunnels so far, starkly bright against the dull green, and this seems to be a point of concern... a. A Botanist's Dream It's a short walk down a wide, inviting tunnel to reach the place where the city grows fungi and underground plants for food and medicine. Large rats and hyenas both are present to keep opportunist creatures and insects from demolishing the carefully-cultivated beds of rock and soil, and small blind fish swim about in the large pool of shallow water, in which grows something like seaweed. One of their primary sources of food, besides bug and rat, are mushrooms of many sorts - all the types that grow in the farms are edible, though some may be an... acquired taste. The Fauns and Witches who tend the beds are happy to offer samples of anything that can be eaten raw; they're most enthusiastic about a type of spherical mushroom whose cap opens up to reveal what tastes and feels like savory cotton candy, and a type of flat fungi that tastes sweet and fizzy and offers a heightened good mood for an hour after. b. The Wild Underground The lesser used tunnels are a different story. A mile out from the city, Cwyld runs in thick black veins through the stone walls, infecting the sparse plants and many creatures that live out there. Careful not to touch. Infected and uninfected creatures both are highly dangerous to explorers, including stone-burrowing moles with wicked teeth and claws that can cut through metal like butter, vicious white wasps that carry lethal venom, and berserker vampire bats that survive on the blood of other animals and people alike. Some infected fungi give off blindingly-bright flashes when disturbed, while others will cause rashes and blisters on contact. Explorers are warned not to touch anything if they can help it. As well, the nomad tribes roam the less-civilized tunnels and caverns. These are small bands of usually Monsters of different types in mixed groups, though some can be found dragging humans along with them. Nearly all of them are some degree of feral, and plenty bear Cwyld infections in different stages of seriousness. They don't stop to ask questions before they'll attack anyone, including each other, in hopes of robbing them blind and leaving them for dead. As vicious and quick as they are, perhaps it's no wonder they value strength in the city?

III. Graduation Day (21st - 23rd) The Underground does not have 'Litha' as Aefenglomites know it, but come the 21st, they do have a major celebration. They simply call it the New Year, or Graduation Day, depending on what festivities are asked about, because the three days serve as both. At this time of year, with more magic in the air, the algae and crystals glow much brighter, cycling naturally through different colors that cast beautiful rainbows across the imposing stone structures. This display is how they mark the start of a new year, and it coincides with the graduation of young Monsters from the Arena and Witches from the Academy. The New Year is a time to celebrate Bonding, partying, and showing off one's skills in the hopes of attracting a new Bondmate or romantic partner. Tensions can also rise high as rivalries are settled, and small brawls in the streets are common; the guards don't interfere, again, unless things get too dangerous. They're content to let citizens work out their own issues, but unfortunately, this means Mirrorbound may get dragged in on occasion! Small fights are also a tried and true tradition to show off one's abilities around this time of year. It serves multiple purposes: attracting a Bondmate, establishing a place in the unspoken hierarchy of the city, and working out problems with others. Monsters are more likely to start brawls than Witches, though it isn't wholly uncommon to bear witness to two rival Witches throwing spells at each other in an alleyway over their grievances. They're more likely to be stopped, as magic can be quite destructive. a. A Matching Pair The un-Bonded should take precautions during the New Year celebrations. These fascinating newcomers are bound to draw the eye of curious locals, and they may put on a violent or flashy show trying to draw your attention in return! The most common way to show that you're already taken during the celebrations is with face-painting: several stands set up around the marketplace with cosmetics and brushes, and two (or three, or more) people painting matching designs on their faces and bodies signify them as a set - either Bonded or intending to Bond. That doesn't mean there won't still be competition for your heart, but it will lessen significantly, especially if you're a Monster-Witch pair already. b. Exhibitions Primarily intended for the graduating classes of Monsters and Witches, the exhibitions are an official stage set for their coming-of-age; this year, however, the Matriarch has decreed that Mirrorbound may participate as well, in the interests of getting to know one another! They're interested to see what these strange travelers can do, especially against some of their own. Mirrorbound are encouraged by excitable locals if they seem reticent, but of course, no one is forced. (Just don't be surprised if you're called a coward for refusing!) At the Arena, a massive sunken ring with stone benches for spectators ringing the whole of it, young Monsters learn combat skills, with and without weapons, and how to harness their unique physiologies in the dangerous world of the Underground. Their yearly exhibition fights take place all through the three days of the New Year, and young Monsters battle each other til first blood to the cheers and jeers of citizens (and more importantly, Witches) come to watch. The longer the battle, the more impressive it is - and Monster Mirrorbound will have no shortage of eager opponents wanting to test their skills against the unknown. Generally, the fights result in bruises, small cuts, and little else, but rivals for the same Witch might take it farther on purpose before they're wrenched away from each other by the teachers. Meanwhile, at the Academy, the tallest stone spire building in the city, young Witches learn magic from a young age. It isn't exactly the same as magic taught at the Coven, but many concepts are similar - barriers, evocation, enchantments meant for weapons or shields, healing, most of the magic they're taught at this younger age is for combat, protection or practical purposes. They only learn more frivolous magics after graduation. Much like their Monster counterparts, they give solo or duet shows of their flashier and more impressive magical skills in the courtyard, with many citizens coming to watch and take stock of the new generation. Mirrorbound Witches may find themselves being cajoled into putting on a show of their own by curious locals wanting to know what kinds of magic are taught elsewhere.

IV. Aefenglom - Litha (21st - 23rd) Meanwhile, for those who have chosen to stay above-ground or those who have left early, Litha comes once more to Aefenglom, bringing with it beautiful pink and purple skies, a far departure from last year's red tint. It has the city in a much cheerier mood for the celebrations. While they know that several Mirrorbound left for a while, they don't seem too aware of the actual mission, and have very little to say on the matter - they'd rather have a nice Litha, after last year's bad omens! Many of the activities from last year return, better than before, including the brothels opening up their doors (showing off all the wonderful new styles in lingerie!), collecting flowers to put under one's pillow in order to dream of future partners, and wandering the hedge mazes that have been magically constructed in certain parts of the city. Seeing off ships happens regularly as well, citizens setting floating candles into the harbor and river to wish them luck. a. Love Boats A new attraction for Litha is being rolled out this year right on the River Temese! Near the gate, an enterprising Faun has set up a few small boats, each just big enough for two and shielded with fine gauzy curtains for privacy. Couples are invited to buy a ride down the river together, assured it will certainly set the mood. Those who have no partners are offered (or cajoled) to be randomly paired with someone, because perhaps it's fate! The boats drift lazily down the river and stop on their own next to a small dock right before they reach the Harbor. Unless you're willing to swim, hopefully you like your boat partner, because you're stuck with them the whole ride. b. Predictive Pools One bathhouse in the Entertainment District has laid an enchantment on one of their semi-public baths for Litha. When two people stand in the water together, bare, it will begin to glow and take on one of a handful of colors that they say will predict the pair's compatibility level! Sexually, romantically? Well, why not both? The only thing is, they've lost the instructions, and cannot seem to remember what color means "most compatible" and what color means "not compatible at all"... As a reminder, all sexual content should be clearly marked in comment headers, or else moved to a comm-locked log or personal inbox! Be good to each other.

Welcome to June's Event Log, What Lies Beneath! The Underground will be open until mid-July at minimum, and possibly longer. Characters can come and go if they're willing to make the trip multiple times. As always, please direct your questions here! The NPC threads will take place here. Aaand, the Action Tracker is right here! Make sure to let us know what your characters have been up to, good and bad, by July 7th, as this will help determine how Mirrorbound-Underground relations might proceed in the future!

Comments

[darkestbefore]

[ She's a little startled that he'd noticed that, but then again, she hadn't exactly been trying to hide it, either.

Huffing out a soft sigh, she shakes her head, gesturing to the piles of scrolls and texts around her. ]

A little, perhaps. It's why I came here. I wanted to understand this place more before I went to speak to her. This city... I dreamed of it before I came to these lands. It was my first encounter with this whole world. And I witnessed an old woman sacrificed to the moss. Or sacrificing herself, rather. I was troubled by what I saw, but this city is unknown to me and their traditions still a mystery. I need to learn more before I can understand what I witnessed. And I think that understanding will be invaluable before I go to speak to the matriarch.

[darkestbefore]

Well...

[ She sighs as she glances over the piles of research she'd been doing, before reaching for one of the scrolls she'd been studying. Spreading it out between them, she indicates the images etched in old inks and the unfamiliar language written in the description of what was portrayed. Something she'd needed to see out a translation spell for herself. ]

It seems the moss has been here since before the first settlers of this city arrived here, and they settled here because of the protection it offered. They offer up their deceased to nourish it. But also... not just the deceased. Those that are close to death sometimes make of themselves an offering, to nourish and protect those they leave behind, adding their magic to whatever dwells within it already. It's a sacred passage for the people here.

[ Something she's not sure she's all that comfortable with, but she is still a stranger to these lands and their ways.

...That doesn't mean she does not still feel sorrow for that old woman she'd witnessed offering herself. Even if the old woman had been grateful to offer herself in such an honored way. ]

[darkestbefore]

Of course!

[ She smiles brightly at him, not minding the company at all. ]

If you like, I can try and teach you the spell, or if you prefer, I can enchant something you have on your person to carry it - it lasts a little longer that way.

[darkestbefore]

[ Her expression melts into one of relief for a moment, to know someone else who will also be going to speak to the Matriarch.

But his question gets a quiet laugh as she gestures to the scrolls and texts surrounding her. ]

That's what I came here for. What about you?

[darkestbefore]

I can't!

[ She huffs out a tired sigh before holding up the toekn she'd been given. ]

I'm supposed to meet with the Matriarch. Me! And I don't even know what I should ask her. I don't understand this place or its strange ways. So I want to learn as much as I can before I meet with her.

[darkestbefore]

[ She looks a little surprised at his question, but she's quick to nod. ]

It was my first encounter with these lands, actually. Even before I fell through the Mirror. I dreamed of this place, of the people here and their strange ways. It's why I wanted to return here so badly when I learned of the delegation.

[ A small frown crosses her lips at that as she glances back to her research. ]

What I saw in that Dream... there was an old woman who offered herself up to the moss, to nourish it with what remained of her life and her magic. Those who guarded her final journey said it was an honor she had chosen, something she was joyous to do...

[unsundered]

We only made it here safely at their forbearance. Do you think you could navigate your way homeward were those helpful markings to suddenly vanish?

[Her shock gets an amused smile from him. It felt like such an obvious possibility- and while he didn't know enough about this place to tell whether it was likely, the Ascian was certainly not about to discount it. He wouldn't even be surprised if it happened.]

All we know of this place is what they've allowed us to know. While their population appears lively enough, we're unfamiliar with the shape it's meant to take. How much does the moss require to survive? Perhaps they're facing a shortage of the elderly and infirm, and naturally turned their eyes skyward. And, curious fools that we are, we delivered to them their salvation.

[Yes, it all fit together so neatly, and Emet-Selch nods to himself, as though fully convinced of their most probable fate.]

Or, should your negotiations with their matriarch go especially poorly, who knows- perhaps only then will they realize the potential bounty we've unwittingly provided them.

[Offend their ruler, get everyone eaten. No pressure.]

[darkestbefore]

[ She'd seen him pass by a few times, but as she's very accustomed to those with restless energy or people who just like to move, she hadn't paid him all that much mind.

At least not until he stops by her table with that and she drags herself out of her circling thoughts to blink up at him for a moment before offering him a quiet laugh and a crooked smile. ]

I suppose I am. I got a little lost in the history of this place, I guess. Is there something I can help you find? This place doesn't make it easy, though....

[darkestbefore]

[ She's never actually... taught anyone a spell before. She's not even sure she knows how, but maybe just doing it how Caster had shown her will work? ]

Ahh, I can show you how it's done, if you'd like to learn it? It's an enchantment spell, so I can cast it on one particular text, or an object if you'd like to keep the spell with you.

[perspicaciously]

I was a teacher back home, madam. If anyone can teach I should hope it would be me.

[ Ozpin will regard the woman with a kind smile, although it's not exactly mean, there's something a bit unnerving about it. Like it's not just him watching but several someone's in fact from behind those brown eyes. But it also might be because Ozpin is 6'6 and kind of well built enough to come off a bit menacing?!

Either way once Near has been relinquished from the woman's grip Ozpin will blink and turn to the other, a soft smile on his features as he nods. ]

But of course. Mirrorbounds have to help one another, yes? I'm glad you're alright. They're quite pushy here, not exactly the welcoming one would expect for making first impressions, hm?

[rowdyraven]

"Hmmmm," again, the drawn-out thoughtful noise as Julian pretends to consider the offer, long leather-clad fingers tapping at the angle of his jaw. He narrows his one visible eye as the merchant holds out the goods, scrutinising the plates...before finally relenting with a nod.

"I should say so. 75% seems plenty fair."

[perspicaciously]

Wondrous is a bit of a stretch.

[ Though when you're an outsider looking in it probably seems that way. Ozpin on the other hand just feels tired about the whole thing. ]

Interesting. I'd like to learn more, when there's a suitable time for it, if you'd be open to such a discussion? [ But, yes, they got a little off track hadn't they? ]

Ah, yes, we certainly have. We were discussing your roommate's need for a bonded, correct?

[darkestbefore]

[ As if she hadn't been stressed out enough already, Emet-Selch.

She sinks back in her chair, looking as if she'd just been slapped. ]

But they don't even seem aware that there is an above!

C

[thejoyrider]

[You know who else besides Puca has a natural gift for illusion magic? That’s right, it’s Fae! And this particular Fae is quite fond of using the skills her newfound kin blessed her with if only to surround herself with beautiful things.

However, observing Sora’s butterflies gives her an idea.]

Hi! Would you mind me joining you?

[As she speaks, she conjures up an illusory butterfly of her own]

[timenace]

[ He takes this moment to walk over and lean against the table she's working at, though at least keeping far enough away not to disrupt any of the work she's been doing. It's a little overwhelming outside this library for him right now, but a little too boring inside it.

A small distraction is definitely nice for his tetchy nerves. ]

Probably not. To be honest, I didn't really come in here looking for something in particular, though it does seem like it would be hard to find if I did... It's impressive you managed to find all of that.

a

[stopfen]

[The fae, maybe predictably to the ones who'd heard her woes about weapons and metals. Was browsing a stall selling blades. The merchant looked pretty human to most. But they make a show of saying the sword they were lifting had no metal. Both of the fae glance at the witch when he approaches. The vendor pulls a face at him, but Mikasa shrugs giving a hum.]

It's a lot more like home than the city...What about you?

[If it was like home for her, it'd be the opposite for him right?]

[unsundered]

[Ascians are nothing if not helpful.]

So how do they explain our presence?

[But it's a detail he waves off with a flick of a wrist.]

The important part is that we're outsiders here. Eminently more expendable than any of their own people. 'Tis the obvious choice.

[oathkeeper]

[He knows he's being a bit of a playful brat. Which only warrants Vanitas' comment but sometimes this puca just can't help but be a puca. That and he likes giving Vanitas this sort of attention. It's only fair with how much Vanitas teases him.]

You're blushing, though! So I think I'm right.

[Sora smiles warmly and then his fingers squeeze a little gently at that thigh.]

City - Library

[perspicaciously]

[ Ozpin often finds himself wandering the long, narrow, passages of the library nowadays. Without much to do learning is something that he's always been fond of and so he often comes here when he's in a thoughtful state of mind or simply curious.

He'll see the familiar face of Lorenz and wander over, looking at the other with a smile. ] Read anything interesting as of late?

[wylderrant]

The merchant doesn't like that, but a sale is a sale! So he reluctantly agrees and Iramaat hands over the cunes she needs to pay for it. The coat of scales is carefully wrapped up and handed over and Iramaat leaves with a little package under her arm and a smile on her face.

"Julian! So good to see you again - and you being so helpful, as well. How are you, dearest?"

Look, she's allowed to be very pleased and exuberant.

"Brings back memories, hmm?"

Litha - wildcardish

[stopfen]

[Festivals and fae were not the best companies. Because even with her only testing a small amount of wine, the fae was bouncing off the walls. She wasn't even alcohol drunk, just the drunk on all the energy in the air as she darted around in small hops and jumps. It was probably a good thing she couldn't fly yet, or she might have caused some damage.

The near dancing stops when she spots the dragon. The small dragon, wandering. Oh that guy, the one who'd carried her. Even with her losing another inch(down to 5'7, her height when she was 15) he was smaller.

There isn't a lot of thought in it as the fae runs over, scooping him from behind. Chirping. Hello, small friend.]

[stopfen]

[Mikasa had been trying to look around the library, but she was a fae, she had no magic to translate for her. So after taking down and looking at a few scrolls then putting them back because she couldn't read them. After doing this for an hour and not finding anything the fae slumped.

She was about to give up and leave when she spotted the witch taking notes. Rolling the coin, it got an antenna flick. Then she's walking over, compound eyes watching the coin.]

...Have you been able to read anything useful here?

2. B

[stopfen]

[The fae didn't care for having her own room. She'd spent most her life sharing, up until her roommate's death. Then things had been too quiet, being able to hear others, know that they were alive was a relief. One she didn't have when she was on her own. Nor was she sleeping, the fae had gotten used to seeing the moon even when it waned. So she was perched on the edge of the large bed. Her large compound eyes easily seeing in the dim light as she ran a silver needle through fabric.

That was what the fae had been using the barter with. Fabric embroidered with flowers not seen below ground.

She says nothing at the intrusion, only just lifting her head to stare. Antenna flicking back with a breathy hiss. Whomst the fuck?]

The Wildcard Underground

[futhark]

[ Caster didn't mind the stray suitors that happened within the city when he walked alone. Those Monsters that had some class or shown some challenge were after all fun to tease— but the overbearing attitude that he was weaker and needed to be protected grated on his nerves, and worn him down until he was spitting challenges (and being dismissed).

Enough is enough, he already has to deal with Archer's protective attitude, and they butted heads over it more than once— but Archer always respects him as a warrior and would never interfere in his battles. That can't be said about society here.

If he was a bit younger he'd probably ended causing a ruckus attempting a duel in some public place, but he is older and wiser... so what he does is to grab his dragon-scale spear, take on some supplies and rush into the wild tunnels to explore the whispered threat of strange algae taking on the "sacred" moss.

The rule of not touching anything is pretty quickly broken, as he finds himself fending off large and bloodthirsty bats. The bites he received don't seem to gave him infection, but he does become a little more careful. Activating his magic to sense lifeforms around it's more that he feels someone incoming than hears them.

He could hide behind a pillar and wait for them to pass, but it is not his style. Instead, he forward, putting the spear before him, even if it's aimed closer to the ground, one flick of wrist is enough to put it someone's throat. ]

Whoever you are, you might want to introduce yourself, friend. [ And then he announces himself confidently ]

I. (b)

[braidmage]

[ Reynir has been lectured more than a few times by more than a few people about the dangers of foraging unknown mushrooms out in the Silent World. But this is nothing like that, right? There are clearly fauns and witches working here to cultivate these mushrooms to be eaten.

(Reynir might not know a lot of things, but he sure as hell knows a farm when he sees one.)

Which is why he nods enthusiastically to Shinjiro's question, gesturing for the stranger to hold the spherical mushroom closer so Reynir can break off a little of it for himself. ]

Why not? It'll be an adventure.

[ He carefully pinches at the proffered mushroom, tearing away about half of it and then bringing it to his mouth, a gleam of excitement in his eye as he glances over: ]

On the count of three?

[ Might as well make a bit of a game of it. ]