Entry tags:
- * event,
- bloodborne: eileen the crow,
- castlevania: hector,
- death note: near,
- fe: azura,
- fe: felix hugo fraldarius,
- fe: hubert von vestra,
- ffvii: sephiroth,
- ffxiv: mira chambers,
- fgo: cu chulainn,
- fgo: scathach,
- fz: waver velvet,
- idolish7: momo,
- kh: riku,
- kh: sora,
- loz botw: zelda,
- lwa: ursula callistis,
- mdzs: jin guangyao,
- mdzs: lan xichen,
- mdzs: nie mingjue,
- monster duchess: leslie,
- p5: goro akechi,
- ssss: reynir arnason,
- the arcana: julian devorak,
- undertale: mettaton,
- voltron: lance
Event Log: June, What Lies Beneath
Down, Down, Down
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
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.
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
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
|
II. The Tunnels
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...
b. The Wild Underground
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)
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.
b. Exhibitions
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)
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.
b. Predictive Pools
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!
no subject
[ Unless they were very proprietary about their fungus, but it can't hurt to ask, right? ]
Cheers, Shinjiro!
[ This time, Reynir doesn't taste the mushroom at the same time as Shinjiro. He takes a moment to reposition the mushroom so it won't get that goo all over his clothes, and by the time he's done that, his new friend is already couching and gasping, and Reynir reaches over automatically, touching his shoulder, steadying him if he needs it. ]
Whoa, hey - is it spicy, are you alright?
[ But Shinjiro seems to be recovering quickly, and he doesn't actually seem hurt, just startled. When he's gotten his composure back a bit, Reynir reaches up and breaks off a tiny, pea-sized portion of the cap, dabbing just a little of the green filling on it, before bringing it up towards his mouth. ]
You got me all nervous to try this now, but I'm curious, so...
[ And he pops it into his mouth, eyes widening immediately as he is hit with (considerably less) of that intense flavor. It would seem he is also feeling the same warming sensation, because he glances down at his arms and legs as it moves throughout his body. ]
That's- that's very strange!
no subject
That's what I get for just going for it... [Another puff out, and he shakes his head. Man. He's gonna be tasting that for days. It's not bad, at least-- Really, the flavour itself is unique and kind of enjoyable. But it's a lot.]
Alright-- next one's my pick. And you gotta go first.
[This is such a dumb game, but at least they're enjoying themselves! And the natives who tend the place seem to be amused at their antics as well, occasionally looking over fondly.]
How long since you landed in Aefenglom, anyway? [He speaks as he looks over the mushrooms, as though trying to pick the next for them to sample. Shinjiro isn't exactly all over the network, or socializing, after all. So for all he knows, the guy's been here just as long as himself.
He finally seems to pick a smaller one this time-- for both their sakes. It's a soft rosy hue, with a long stem and a sharply triangular cap. He'll take up two of them, since it doesn't really look like it can be split.]
no subject
When Shinjiro keeps the game going, says he'll pick and Reynir can try it first, he beams: ]
Sure, that's only fair.
[ Then he casts his mind back, trying to remember how long it's been since he passed through that mirror. ]
A couple months - no, almost three now, actually. Whew.
[ He gives a little whistle, scratching the back of his neck and feeling suddenly a tad awkward. It's been that long, and what has he accomplished? How many friends has he made? Not all that impressive, all things considered... he really has gotten more cautious, since his adventures into the Silent World back home.
And, because he is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, he admits: ]
I haven't really, um. Done a lot in that time, though, if I'm being honest. It took me a bit of time to - get settled, I guess.
[ He's happy then for the distraction provided by that small pinkish mushroom, and pops it into his mouth without further ado. ]
Oh, it's - that's quite nice.
[ The flavor is much more subtle than the last mushroom - sweetish, but with an aftertaste that is almost... fishy? ]
How about you? How long since you were brought here?
no subject
About a year, I think. I finished growing new parts and changing this past winter.
[He says it casually, not seeming to be bothered by the idea of spending so long here. After all: what else would he be doing? Just like back home, he's just spending whatever time is allowed to him. Just with less issues here.
One long, fuzzy ear flickers at Reynir's admittance, considering it. Really, he doesn't think that sounds like too long of a time. After all, he's sure most other people didn't so quickly accept the fact that they were in a huge, weird fantasy world with little hope of returning home.]
Sounds about right. There's a lot to get used to. [He rolls a shoulder, glancing at his own small, pink musroom, rolling the stem between his fingers.] I got a bond pretty quick, but anything more than that, there's not really a rush. Not like we gotta pay rent or do much of anything.
[He'll finally lift up the fungus and toss it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. Much better than the last one, thankfully. Subtle, sweet, with that oceany aftertaste. A weird combination, but one that helps relax his tastebuds from the warhead he'd dropped on them beforehand.]
'Specially since it seems like half the people are stuck here for a long while, and the other half are gone in a few weeks. [Or maybe that's just his experience, having watched all those he knew from back home appear, linger, and then go.]
no subject
Oh, you're Bonded? That's good, that's safer, right? I- I know all the Mirrorbound are supposed to do it, or else really bad stuff can happen. Everybody gets all hushed and serious when they're talking about people who haven't got a bond in a month or two. But then everybody also keeps talking about what a big deal and commitment it is, and not to do it lightly, and it's gonna change your whole life, and whew. Mixed messages, huh?
[ Not that he's stressed about it, or anything. Except that he is clearly, definitely, absolutely stressed about it.
With some degree of now-forced lightness and cheer, Reynir asks: ]
Is it- do you like it? Being Bonded?
[ When he talks about people leaving, Shinjiro has, without realizing it, hit very close to the target. Reynir looks away from him, at those rows of cultivated fungus, quiet for a moment before he admits: ]
Yeah. Actually uh, a friend of mine from back home used to be here. I ran into him on my first day, and we sort of stuck together. It was nice, 'cause we didn't really speak the same language back home, but here that wasn't an issue. He's been gone a few weeks now, though. I don't think he's coming back.
[ So... time to get out and make some new friends. Reynir smiles at Shinjiro, then points at a mushroom a little further alone. It's... a bit less appetizing in appearance than the others, a pale white with a drippy, stringy texture. The surface looks vaguely wet in an unsettling way. Eyebrows raised, Reynir asks: ]
So... do we dare? 'Cause I will if you will.
[ They wouldn't be going it if it was totally nasty, right? ]
no subject
And so he stops and shakes his head, lifting a hand to gesture dismissively.]
People are just idiots and make it a way bigger deal than it is. [And that's from someone who hated the idea of emotional vulnerability. He just hated the idea of losing control even more.]
But yeah. The moons are stronger on us, it seems like. So its easiest if we get bonds. So witches drain their magic off, and monsters have some to feed on. And yeah, it keeps monsters sane and witches alive.
[He shrugs, shifting to sit back on the ground, and kicking those gangly ungulate legs out in front of him, delicate hooves on the floor of the cavern.]
Getting a bond ain't that big of a deal. It's kinda weird at first, but there ain't anything life changing about it. And if you end up hating whoever you get a bond with, you can just break it. Easy as that. Anyway, I got bonded to one of the first people I talked to here, and it's worked out. Hell, we're still bonded.
[His posture relaxes slightly, talking about bonds. It's just become a matter of life here, after all. Same with the people disappearing. Just like back home, nothing was permanent. And no matter how important someone is or isn't, they'd disappear one day. (Possible a bleak outlook, but one that's proved true for him over and over.)]
Yeah, it happens. I showed up with a bunch of people from back home, and they're all gone. One came back for a week or two, but he's gone again. Just how it happens.
[He follows Reynir's pointing to the drippy, stringy one, and frowns. It looks absolutely awful. But so far the ones they had tried had been mostly pleasant. With the exception of his own stupid mistake, of course. And so he'll sigh, never having been one to say no to a direct challenge.]
Sure. Never know unless we do, right?
[He'll reach out for it, and it is just as wet as it looks. Dewy, almost, and there's a sticky tackiness to it. He brings one finger to his mouth to lick off the sap, pausing for a moment. It's surprisingly floral- almost herby. Something between anise and cardemom, as different as those things are. And after the moment he'll break off a piece to hand to Reynir, deciding they can just.. split the one. After all, he doesn't want the two of them to decimate this place's whole mushroom crop.]
no subject
[ Shinjiro is honestly the first person Reynir has talked to who said that a Bond isn't a huge or life-changing deal, and who emphasized that it can be broken if need be. Reynir isn't exactly a confrontational guy even when it comes to situations that don't involve magical connections to another person, but he's learned a lot about himself in the past year. He knows that, if it's important enough, he can stick up for himself. Even when it's so hard.
...It's still nice, to hear someone telling him it's no big deal if he chooses the wrong person or messes it up somehow. ]
It's such a relief to hear that. I hope it works out that well for me, too.
[ A little less encouraging is the way that Shinjiro talks about people coming and going, here. Losing Emil had been hard, and Reynir can't imagine how much harder it would be if he came back, only to disappear again. Or if someone else he knew showed up and then vanished. They wouldn't be dead, and there's some comfort in that, but even so. Reynir isn't accustomed to losing people.
He reaches out to accept the half mushroom, sniffing it warily before shrugging and nibbling at it. His eyebrows raise in surprise when the flavor hits his tongue, but immediately he says: ]
Oh, this one's my favorite so far. Looks can be deceiving, I guess.
no subject
And people don't talk about how much easier it feels to have one. For a Monster, at least. I dunno how it feels for witches. But just-- having that connection to a magic source helps out a lot.
[It's hard for him to describe, really. But it definitely settles something inside himself. Likely the part that craves and hungers for magic, drives all monsters to seek a source of it for their continued existence.]
Really, every time we get a bunch of new people, they're all whining over the watches about what a big damn deal it is, how they don't trust anyone, they dont wanna burden them, or whatever the fuck. [He rolls his eyes as he says this.] But people're just idiots.
[He finally pauses in his lowkey rant to actually eat the mushroom Reynir had picked out-- and much like its sap, it's delicate and floral. More of a scent than a true taste, and incredibly light in the mouth. (He'll have to buy some of these and figure out how to incorporate them into dishes.) Another nod at Reynir's deciding its his favourite, lips quirking upwards slightly at the edges.]
And here I was ready for it to end up being some nasty, medicinal stuff. I wonder if they sell starters of these.
no subject
Haha, yeah!
[ ...he ABSOLUTELY was one of those people who lost their shit over the watches, and had spent a considerable amount of his time worrying about burdening the people around him every time he thought of asking for help. But his cool new friend doesn't need to know that! Nope! ]
Can't hurt to ask, right? Why would they be offering samples if they didn't want people interested?
[ Of course, they might not want the competition, but that thought doesn't occur to Reynir just yet. ]
Let's go and see if they've got spores for sale or whatever! And find out the name of this thing...
[ And he takes a little more of that pale mushroom, just for the road... ]