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

[oathkeeper]

[The snap of gunfire is loud in Sora's own ears but it's enough to hit the creature right on target. At the exact same time that Sora hits it!! The creature is stunned so violently that it rolls back and starts trying to scamper away awkwardly.]

Ah! It worked!

[Sora doesn't chase the creature. He doesn't want to be cruel. And just as Eileen had predicted it starts to escape.]

Apparently we are too much of a pain in its butt for it to keep trying!

all good! sorry for the wait from here

[wordsinthesoul]

[He accepts the leaf, sniffing at it before taking a bite and nodding.]. Thank you- ah, that is tart… Good for keeping you awake, I imagine. Is the climate here very different, then? It's good that there are some things you recognise, all the same. [And for him, he reaches to snip a pair of horn-shaped flowers he recognises as coneflowers, offering one to Reynir in turn.]

Hm. Well, you're not alone in that… A few of the people I've spoken to have seemed to be in some kind of strait before arriving here.

[…well, he's not quite arrived to the news of horrific transformations yet- but that gets a nod and a knowing sigh, green-feathered wings shifting slightly.]

The untamed wilds still out there and untamed, then? It's better to have people who can support you- and I'm quite thankful that there are people here prepared for that. It's good to hear that you've adjusted to being here- certainly I believe it's something we should be able to grow from.

[He hums, with a nod.]

Most likely. And it can run in some people more strongly than others… Will you continue studying now?

[He laughs a little, lightly, accepting the anthurium.]

Well. There are many good people in the world- I count myself quite fortunate to have had the company of several of them. Though, ah… it's best that you're all on the same page, as it were.

…back to your home? I'm sorry to hear that. But perhaps we can start to know each other now. [And so, to that end, he holds out a hand- the one not holding all his flowers.]. I'm Thancred.

[plasticasshole]

Interesting question. I suppose it could depend on how much room it's given?

[He seems interested in the idea of cultivating the moss here.]

That's a good idea. If you need any help with that, let me know.

[He looks down at the wormipede, stroking it idly.]

I still need a name for it... I was considering just calling it "Velvet" for how it feels, but I'm not sure I'm entirely sold on it.

[plasticasshole]

[He's stronger than he looks, and he holds onto the side of the boat to keep himself steady. Not that he'd particularly mind the water... he'd be irritated about losing his shoes to the transformation into Merrow form, but there are certainly worse things to him than being submerged. He yanks Mikasa up onto the boat with a grunt.]

How did you fall in?

[plasticasshole]

[He echoes Akechi's thoughts, nodding.]

It's quite bright here, given it's underground... but I can see your point.

[It really was difficult to tear himself away from the market, but he knows better than to let his instincts completely take over. He tilts his head, smiling slightly.]

Competition? How so?

[towards_okeanos]

Oho! Then indeed the marketplace seems to be the best place for it!

[Especially so foreign one as this one. Iskandar is curious what kind of fibres people here use. It would be difficult to keep sheep down here or grow linen. All he saw were different kinds of mushrooms. Can you even spin thread from a mushroom?]

Have found anything interesting?

[oathkeeper]

[He's in for this kind of showdown! He really wants to see how his illusion magic differs from that of a fae's magic! Or how related it all is to actual witches magic??

His long rabbit ears twitch as he listens.]

It took me a lot longer than that to figure it out, myself. So maybe fae are a little better at this sort of thing than puca are. I wouldn't doubt it! [He taps his chin.] What does it feel like to try and make your magic? Mine feels like I'm bending light.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora also much prefers the city over the dark underground. Rabbits like them need to thrive in the sun and flowers, after all.

He makes a quick laugh when his butterfly pops close to her nose and he waves a hand quickly.]

It would be even greater if I could of had it land on your nose and stay there! But I'm working on it.

[He grins. It's actually always really nice to see other puca. So his ears might be twitching curiously.]

Have you ever tried something like this?

[yesdoubt]

"Two major ones. The one we came from, Aefenglom, is the largest, but there are smaller cities and settlements. We haven't had much contact with them, though, so I couldn't give you numbers."

He knows it's not much in terms of numbers, but both Aefenglom and Dorchacht are more than large enough that he'd consider the two of them together to be an impressive presence on the surface. Especially when the people down here thought them dead.

He doesn't even hesitate with a reply to her question. "I know you wouldn't need to seek either of those things. Silk and materials similar to the velvet hide you make clothes from here are both rare and expensive on the surface, and sought after by the people who can afford it. And the gems, glasses and metals I've seen the merchants here selling would be welcomed above-ground, since materials like that are far harder for us to access from the surface. I'm sure there's more, but even between those, I think you'd have plenty of ground to stand on. Is there much trade from further out in the underground? It seems as if some locals thought we were tunnel nomads, but I'm not sure what conditions are like past the city and agricultural areas."

He got as far as seeing how tainted some of the further-out tunnels were and turned back before he ran into whatever turns into Shades underground, but the fact that part of the marketplace was accessible even before they were invited into the city proper has given him the impression there must be some presence of underground dwellers outside the city even if it's small.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora might just take one little step behind her. He might be a pretty brave boy but he is really glad he's not on the other end of this broadsword right now. Hoo.]

"Enough! We won't take words and commands from surface trash like you!"

[One arachne mad steps up and pulls a dagger-]

Mira!

[oathkeeper]

Lio! It's nice to meet you.

[He might have heard this name before. One of Vanitas' friends or acquaintances? That makes him smile and he is more than happy to put his hands together again.]

Yeah, just give me one second here... I'm still trying to get faster at this.

[Sora focuses his energy and tries to remember what Vanitas had told him about staying focused through things like this. He opens his hands with his palms up and the light starts to sparkle there. Then in a tiny blink of an eye a small red butterfly appears again]

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar never forgets a face he saw in person. The text messages or even videos on the network accessible through their watches still elude him. Even if he used them himself.]

Yes, yes it is.

[But before he gets to comment further another monster, a chimera, approaches them and Jin Guangyao spins his tale. Iskandar pales in anger. My Witch?! You little conniving weasel... That is not something he agreed to. Still, he doesn't get to say anything as Jin Guangyao shoots him a question. And Iskandar doesn't want an argument right in front of the native Monster.]

Thirty years.

[Iskandar barks his response but the reaction he gets is ... less surprising after everything that happened to him earlier this day.]

No way! [The chimera's eyes go wide in shock.] Sure he looks buff but why would you let him?! Fighting 's no job for a Witch. What if he gets hurt?!

[Iskandar winces. This is surreal. The chimera doesn't try to offend either of them. All that is said with genuine worry. As infuriating as it is, they really mean well.]

[wylderrant]

It does tend to remind one of what one lacks...

[ She's definitely not bitter. Definitely. ]

It isn't as if I'm going to bond with anyone down here, anyway. I'm going back up later!

[fiddlestick]

Haha...maybe fate then? [He says it lightly, as if he doesn't truly believe it. Still, it's a nice thought]

Oh! That was probably him then. I can't say I know any other mirrorbounds named Eren. He was one of the first people I really got to know here. I'm really grateful he agreed to Bond with me.

[blankpieces]

It's... I believe they're calling them wormipedes. [Surely someone could have been more inventive... but the name hardly matters.]

They spin silk - or at least it will, when it gets a little older.

[Technically they do all kinds of things, but this one in particular is a silk spinner, which is useful to him. He has a business to run, which means finding various means of setting himself above the competition. Not that he has much competition...]

[braidmage]

It wasn't at first, but now that it's summer? It's way hotter here than I'm used to.

[ He certainly doesn't seem to be dressing well for the season, with his cloak, long sleeves, warm leggings, boots, gloves etc. Someone please introduce this boy to the concept of a tank top.

Reynir blinks, quietly surprised when Thancred says there are other people here who came from similar circumstances as Reynir - at least, similar-sounding, given the information that he's shared. So, presumably, people who missed their friends back home but were relieved to be somewhere else, somewhere safer.

Hearing that is a small, unexpected relief. He has been feeling guilty for how much he's enjoying being away from his home world, thinking that others here would judge him if they found out... but apparently, as Thancred said, he's not alone.

When Thancred asks about the untamed wilds, a small, wry smile tugs at one corner of Reynir's mouth. ]

Something like that, yeah.

[ He doesn't offer any more information, though. Talking about what makes those untamed wilds dangerous would be much too depressing. He holds his shoulders a little straighter with pride, however, when Thancred assumes that means he's prepared for dangerous situations. Because he is! He's just not used to people thinking that about him. ]

Yes, I've been studying with the Coven. A lot, actually. Another reason I, um. Haven't had a lot of time to make friends.

[ But it looks like that might be changing, and Reynir is delighted about that. He eagerly shakes Thancred's hand. ]

Reynir! Reynir Árnason, and yes, I would love to be your friend!

[ Wow, he's skipped all the way to 'friend', huh? ]

[towards_okeanos]

I doubt they will let you into this city with anything infected either.

[Don't get eaten by the weird gate moss, Hector. He likes you.]

I doubt they should.

[As long as you keep your toys outside the city walls, he doesn't mind. The goal is to stop this plague not help it spread.]

A good lead. I know enough about spells and fire now to know they do not scale well. If we're to end this plague, we need something that does.

[Hector could be Hypocrites reborn and Iskandar wouldn't tell. He had physicians to take of such matters, he's not specialist himself. He will however shield Hector from frowning natives as long as it's needed.]

Just don't get caught doing anything illegal. We're still on shaky ground here.

[Guests and diplomatic mission and all. He didn't say don't do anything illegal. Just don't get caught.]

[arturiarex]

[ It's not as if Saber is all that tall, either - but her wings certainly add to her presence. ]

It does. I've been trying to learn to enjoy more of the natural beauty the longer I'm here... and maybe get a bit more in touch with myself. Although at times it's hard to tell if that's me or the changes.

[ Which is a bit darker than she wanted to go. She tries to steer back to the subject at hand. ]

Certainly survival. But why hide down here at all? Did someone or something drive them here? Or do they just prefer it? Something we should ask, maybe.

bathhouse wildcard!

[ua_duibhne]

[It's entirely Berserker's fault that Diarmuid is even here. Once more, their bathtub has a carcass in it, ready to be stripped of its meat and its bones carefully preserved and added to the dragon's collection. If it weren't such a productive outlet for his lingering, more violent impulses, he might make more of a fuss but it is what it is and he's found somewhere else to relax for the evening.

Besides, he's rather intrigued by this style of bathhouse and the culture around it- it's a Japanese custom, isn't it? Bathing alongside other people isn't new to him- gods, he'd seen more of some of his comrades in the Fianna that he'd really like to have- but this is a little different. It's more for recreation as far as he can tell. Regardless, he's in a good mood as he heads through to the nearest pool, hair still damp and pushed back from his face from washing up beforehand and a towel around his hips. The attendant had mentioned something about the water but, to be honest, he hadn't really been paying full attention. Ah well, it didn't sound serious.

As it turns out, the part that most shocks him is something that he could never have been warned about: the company. Already in the water is someone he just enough familiarity to be wary- and that's how he would have preferred it to stay.]

Ah... my apologies for interrupting.

[Diarmuid's already glancing back at the doors, contemplating whether a knock to his pride is preferable to attempting to relax alongside the King of Heroes.]

[arturiarex]

I hope you'll find something you're comfortable with before it becomes critical.

[ Saber sighs. ]

Sometimes I think "witches" have it rather easier... less chance of losing their self-control.

[turmoiling]

[Perhaps he went a little far with the 'my witch' part, judging by Iskandar's expression. Jin Guangyao is quite certain his own bonded, Lan Xichen, wouldn't appreciate that particular deception either, but it's really just a little thing. What are the chances any of these people here will ever remember, he figures.]

Everyone here is experienced as well, are they not? Nobody will get seriously hurt. And Iskandar here has been looking forward to testing out his skills so terribly much. Besides, and I don't mean to be rude but... if you can't beat a witch, is there really much point in us having a duel?

{It's not said in a mean-spirited way exactly, but with the mildest sympathetic condescension. He does glance back at Iskandar once more.]

Why don't you two go on? And if you lose, I'll do this gentleman the honor of a match.

[So please be actually good and win, otherwise Jin Guangyao is probably going to end up embarrassed by at least a moderate amount. He's not the worst fighter in the world, but he isn't exceptionally skilled either, and using dirty tricks to win aren't going to play here.]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[He hopes so too. But he knows he can't just hope for it. He'll have to try to be... social if he's going to resolve the trust issue any time soon.]

I can't say what it's like, but based on what I've heard about monsters... I'm inclined to agree monsters have it much rougher than witches. Do monsters not have any options to delay the loss of self-control?

[If so, he feels sorry for every monsters out there.]

[strongspirited]

Perhaps.

[But she wants to....]

Did you want to sight-see somewhere? Together?

marketplace

[prayerwheel]

[ ah.

Azura slips on over and remarks quietly, after taking a good look at the jacket. ]

Consider the cost of the materials relevant to the item being made down here, perhaps. I'm not an expert on textiles, so take this with a grain of salt, but is it possible that it's more difficult to acquire the fabrics and miscellany needed to make these things underground? The price would be higher for the cost of labor, also.

b

[prayerwheel]

[ peeking up from a pile of books ]

No. This system is completely foreign to me. It's not by subject, or name of the author, or title--I can't figure it out.