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

[moustre]

She rests comfortably, confident in her own domain. A combatant herself, she notices the look he gives her, and the corners of her mouth turn up in a wide smile, polite, her eight eyes staring unblinkingly. She makes no move toward it, and the guards seem unconcerned. No violence is expected here today.

"Uchicha Itachi," she repeats, inclining her head. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance on this auspicious day. I appreciate you all making the trip. Was it terribly long?"

His question garners a hum. "Your people are the first surface-dwellers to lay eyes upon our fair city in hundreds of years. These are strange times, aren't they?"

[anbu]

"They are. But no, the trip was not too long." Itachi glances briefly over the refreshments, as if he's only now noticed them. He doesn't move to take any; his attention is quick to swing back to the Matriach herself. "Just 'Itachi' is fine. Culturally we place our surnames first, but this does not appear to be a universal feature of all other worlds."

His expression hasn't changed, and he remains statuesque beneath the Arachne woman's scrutiny.

"May I ask how long your civilization has existed here underground? You say hundreds of years, so I assume quite a while. Does that also mean you have encountered surface-dwellers in the distant past?"

[moustre]

Her gaze sharpens slightly as if this is interesting information, perhaps trying to place where they come from in relation to her tunnels and caverns. Close, then? "Itachi, then," she says graciously with a nod.

She seems to think about what she wants to say for a moment, tapping the arm of her throne with a clawed finger. "Hundreds of years, yes. We have a long history down here. We once lived above ground but we were driven down by the spread of the Cwyld, by bigger Monsters, by humans who wanted to subdue us." She gestures vaguely.

"And we never left. For the most part."

[anbu]

He listens, processing what he's told of their history. "And you were safe down here from the Cwyld, due to the moss. A fortunate discovery."

Dark eyes fall onto the Matriarch again, studying her physical differences to the Arachne he's more familiar. She would make a dangerous adversary; that, he's certain. "For the most part. Did others ever attempt to return to the surface? If they did, it sounds as though you'd be unaware of their success. You must have believed the surface world completely uninhabitable until now. Is that correct?"

[moustre]

"Yes. Many believe it was fated. The moss was here before us, and no doubt it will be here long after us, but while we live, it keeps the infection out."

The Matriarch hums a soft, thoughtful sound. "I am Matriarch. I am aware of everything that happens within this cavern," she says loftily. "Do you wish to know this for yourself, or to sow chaos within my city? There are things the people have not been told, for their own safety and well-being."

There is a slight narrowing of her eight eyes. "We have sent parties to the surface before, though not for quite some time."

[anbu]

Itachi rests in silence through her words, expression unchanging, posture statuesque when faced with those words. There's no sense of a threat in them, not truly—not as much as what is more likely the desire to protect her own people. It isn't a sentiment unfamiliar to him, nor is he surprised when the Matriarch questions his intentions.

"I have no reason to disrupt your city," he says plainly. "I understand that there is a burden of leadership in your position. You must make decisions for your people, when such a devastating threat exists. Many on the surface are suffering from the infection. I have seen it firsthand."

Is the just way to be? Perhaps not, but he has also never occupied a seat like her throne.

"I ask because I'm curious to know what became of those who left. Were they ever recovered?"

[moustre]

She settles back on her chitinous legs, exhaling a soft breath. "We are on the same page, then. I do not wish to make us enemies, but if day to day life were to be interrupted in such an uncontrolled fashion, it would be necessary. My people cannot survive up there, not truly." They are too adapted to the dark, to the tunnels; they are too likely to be decimated by the Cwyld. "These ideas must be introduced gradually, in a particular fashion, so as not to give false hope or cause citizens to chase their own deaths."

Her nails clack against the side of the throne again, lips pulling into a frown. "Most perished aboveground. Their bodies were retrieved when possible. The few who survived brought back stories of the spreading infection, of corrupted beasts, of maimed attackers and environmental dangers." A slight shake of her head. "It is not an easy undertaking to gain even that much information."

[anbu]

It's a fair enough response. A leader's primary concern should be the risk to their own people. Itachi considers what she admits, lowering his head to study the floor between them. "I see. Of course, considering the dangers that would await them, it's unsurprising to hear of such difficulty."

What she describes isn't unlike the etchings he was shown, corroborating the larger story in his mind.

"So you must have believed the surface completely uninhabitable. Is it something you would wish for your people, one day? To return to it, assuming the infection is brought under control?"

[moustre]

"You would certainly know well, having traversed the surface at least this far," she agrees with a nod. "As well as the Cwyld and the natural dangers, any of our warriors who undertake quests to the surface must also contend with the sun. It takes many months to train one's eyes to handle even your bright nights."

A soft sigh. "This is why I do not believe we could return, not for many generations. We have adapted to this place, our tunnels, and I do not think any would wish to abandon the city or the safety of the moss entirely. It may seem dreary to your people, but this is our home. I do wish for better relations with the surface, however."

[anbu]

The sun. Obvious as it must be to these underground people, it's still surprising to him, to imagine living somewhere so dark that the sun's natural brightness would cause issue. "Then the investment is great, and the losses harder to bear."

It makes sense to him, eyes drawn back to the Arachne woman—the power in her physical presence, in the display of her position. "Yes. The Mirrorbound here only desire to better understand your civilization and your wants, though I can't speak for everyone. I find myself inclined to trust your intentions nonetheless, otherwise bringing us here could put your people at great risk."

Dark eyes study her for a moment longer, then turn to the spear he'd first noticed walking in. "Your culture values power, especially in Monsters themselves. Is that correct? What is your perception toward Witches?"

[moustre]

"Then I hope that we may understand each other in time." Her smile curls, somehow warm. "Trust is no small gift and I will do my best not to squander such a thing. In return, perhaps we may keep our tunnels open that your people may visit whenever you please? Thus far I have had no reason not to believe in the Mirrorbounds' good intentions."

The Matriarch's gaze flickers to the spear and the decorative stand, and her smile widens a little. "Yes, certainly. It is still a dangerous life we live down here. The strength to defend oneself and others is highly important. Witches are not as physically capable as Monsters, though their magic helps to sustain our city and keep us from turning feral. While we defend them from physical harm, they defend us magically, and together we find stability and harmony in Bonds. All have their different roles to serve, wouldn't you agree?"

[anbu]

To Itachi, the main benefit of such an agreement is the open channel to return and investigate this city at his own convenience. There's only so much that can be learned in a single period of time. So he says, "I believe of the majority, our intentions won't ever be harmful to you or your people. Most of us only seek to understand this world we've woken up in, because it's so unknown to many of us. If that changes, of course, I'd expect you to react accordingly for the protection of your civilization first."

The Matriarch's next few comments earn a discerning look. "So you base your value of one's capability on physical strength, though there are other measures of power—some perhaps even greater. I see." It isn't meant to be disparaging, just an observation. "In any case, I have a request to make of you, if you'll allow it. I've visited the library here a few times prior to this meeting. However, I noticed the second floor isn't available to the public. Is there a reason for this additional security?"

[moustre]

"Of course," she agrees mildly. "We welcome allies but we will not suffer invaders." To make these concessions, she seems confident in her people's ability to defend their home.

There is an equally mild hum of agreement with his observation, but then her head cocks to the side, considering, gaze a little sharper. "Were you not told? We keep our oldest scrolls there. They are quite delicate and their preservation is not complete or infallible. To open them without the silk crumbling requires a... special touch. Such is not a secret. Few have reason to glance through those scrolls regardless."

[anbu]

"That's fair," he says. "Do you currently use magic to preserve the scrolls? If not, it may be possible. I would be willing to make the attempt at such a spell." This isn't a lie. As a Witch, he's motivated toward learning new spells, no matter their nature. And something like this could be useful.

"I understand if you'd prefer not to have an outsider among your oldest scrolls. However, I am interested in learning more about your city, if only you'd allow it. Knowledge must always be cherished and protected."

[moustre]

"We do already, yes, else we would have very little from those days left. Silk is quite resilient but it does have a shelf life. Magic must also be used to handle them, however, else they will still crumble. Many of these are just the originals of copies that are available in the public areas of the library."

She rests her chin on her palm, watching him unblinkingly, considering. "The Headmistress is quite protective of the upper library, and you would have to suffer her presence every step of the way if I were to grant you access. What is it you hope to find in there?" Her lips tug into a grin. "Do you think we are keeping some dire secrets?"

[anbu]

"I see. I am... personally familiar with the resiliency of silk." There's a slight grimace on his face, brows furrowing before the expression smooths back out. He isn't looking to tangle with Arachne webbing ever again, if he has his way. "No, not necessarily. Perhaps it's that the area is barred to the public—it should be no wonder there's curiosity surrounding what the scrolls contain."

He specifically doesn't speak of himself as the one curious.

"I wouldn't mind her presence, nor do I begrudge the oversight if these scrolls are historically significant. I have no expectations for finding anything in particular."

But Stiles will certainly owe him a major favor.

[moustre]

"Ah, but isn't that an odd entitlement? To think you are owed that deep a look into the inner workings of a city you are only guests in? If I were to visit Aefenglom, do you think they would show me all of their innermost records and ancient historical accounts?" She poses the question mildly, curious what his answer may be, clearly seeking to suss out his thought process and the motivations behind it.

"It would help to know what knowledge you seek up there. The fewer scrolls must be pulled, the better. Even with a magical touch there have been accidents in the past, and I wish not to risk a good portion of our records unnecessarily to sate idle curiosity."