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

ii

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen is also out exploring. He might not be clever like Jin Guangyao or as strategically strong as Nie Mingjue, but knowing them both, he is aware that having a good idea of the area is only advantageous. So despite some warnings, he sets off down the tunnels to map out the region for himself, determined to see just how familiar the place is compared to the dream they had before. He's convinced there's some kind of correlation.

The noise catches his attention and of course he comes running. The sound of a fight means someone is in need. He comes rushing up as Percy yells to stay back, ignoring that as he reaches his side and sees the arachne.]

Please stay there!

[Yes, he's giving the monster fair warning first. It would probably be more effective if he looked intimidating, but as his stern words go ignored, he raises his flute and plays a single, long note, creating a barrier of wind that rushes up in front of them like a wave and suddenly shoves back. It only lasts for that minute, but it does at least prevent the stranger's attack from landing.]

Percival-gongzi, are you all right?

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy's mouth opens as the footsteps behind him don't stop coming closer, then just closes again as he recognizes the figure appearing at his side. Not someone he's going to convince to get out of the way, and at the moment Percy is just as happy to save his breath. ]

Fine. [ It's a bit short, but his attention is almost entirely taken up as he rapidly dismantles the gun in his hands and begins to carefully put it back together with the same speed. ] It just came at me. Keep an eye on it.

[zewu_jun]

What do you want?

[Lan Xichen of course tries to talk to the arachne, hoping to resolve whatever issues they have with Percy without violence. He doesn't really want anyone, even the stranger, to get hurt, but considering the situation, it does seem like they aren't likely to get away without a fight.]

I don't wish for any trouble, but if you continue to harass my friend, I will not hold back.

[gunsmithed]

[ That was not exactly what Percy had meant, and he lets out a quiet sigh even as his focus never wavers from the gun in his hands.

The arachne just hisses, well past the point of even understanding the words and lunges forward again, just in time for Retort to snap together again and Percy to fire just over it's shoulder. The warning shot, at least, does it's job in sending the arachne skittering backwards again, still hissing. ]

I don't think diplomacy is going to work here.

[zewu_jun]

[ At least Lan Xichen does back him up, and when the arachne, not interested in talking out their differences, starts advancing again, he is about to retaliate -- luckily Percy manages to put his gun back together in time to make the Monster think twice. ]

Percival-gongzi, does it not seem as though a lack of diplomacy might be considered the source of this difficulty?

[ As the arachne regroups and tries to cast a line of web at them instead of coming too close, Lan Xichen plays another brief string of notes that sends a twist of wind out toward the attack, temporarily thwarting the throw. When the song ends, the web drops to the rocks, but the arachne still has time to try again. ]

Perhaps if we try to be more understanding the gesture will be returned.

[gunsmithed]

[ All Percy can do is make a sound of distracted exasperation, attention much more focused on the creature that hasn't bothered with anything that sounds like actual words yet. He's not entirely convinced the arachne is even capable.

He's also tried arguing with Lan Xichen before. Percy knows where to put his energy at the moment. ]

Be my guest.

[ He'll just keep his gun up at the ready while he does it. ]

[zewu_jun]

[ Lan Xichen will always try, no matter how dangerous or hopeless the risk is. He doesn't want to kill someone without giving them a chance to surrender, and he doesn't like fighting over misunderstandings if that is what it might be.

Sometimes ensuring that there is no shred of doubt left is truly the most tedious and awful decision to make.

But at least he takes a step forward, exposing himself first rather than risking Percy along with him. He raises his arms, addressing the arachne steadily. ]

Please. We do not want to hurt you. Leave, and we can forget that this happened. You don't need to fight us.

[ While he's trying to reason with the arachne, who is intent only on seizing his prey, the monster starts preparing a web to snare them with, sharp fangs showing as it stares at the two witches. In a quick motion, it can easily grab one of them--the weaker one--and take him down at least. ]

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy's attention has not wavered, Retort still held out at the ready. He's watching closely enough to catch every flicker the arachne makes, sunk deep into old habits. You protect your close-range fighters.

It means that the second the arachne gathers itself and snaps out in Lan Xichen's direction, the pistol is already firing sharply. A neat hole appears in the arachne's forehead and it's still for a moment before toppling gracelessly to the side.

The pistol doesn't lower again until the body hits the ground. ]

[zewu_jun]

[ Lan Xichen doesn't see the subtle movements at first. Ambushing prey is what a spider is made for and Lan Xichen isn't blessed with any innate power or strengthened senses to pick up on those slight shifts. He only has time to be startled when the spider is already lunging, using its agility to easily cross the distance and take down the witch--when Percy's shot rings out, stopping it before it manages to really pounce. That would have been the end of him if the shot came a second too late.

He stares in shock at the body, stunned at first and still processing what happened before his eyes. Part of him is already shaken by another life snuffed out within a blink. When he looks back at Percy and the pistol, he's still trying to understand it. That isn't like striking someone with a sword or even an arrow. He steps toward his friend, withdrawing from the now subdued threat. ]

Percival-gongzi.

[ It's not accusatory or grateful, just confused. ]

[gunsmithed]

Yes?

[ He's watching for one last moment to make sure that the arachne isn't somehow faking it before he turns towards his friend--and finds himself blinking once at the expression on the man's face. Percy can't read it, exactly, but that alone is something of a warning sign. ]

Something wrong? Are you hurt?

[ He hadn't thought the arachne had gotten close enough, but it is also very dark. Taking down an enemy like that is so commonplace that it doesn't even begin to occur to him that it might be where the problem lies. ]

[zewu_jun]

No, I'm not hurt.

[ He's still answering with a bit of a flat note, his mind processing what just happened in an almost detached way because he simply can't comprehend how easily that life was snuffed out. On one hand, if it were a battle and an enemy had tried to stab him from behind, Percy shooting an arrow or stabbing the attacker would be perfectly normal as a response. But this also happens to be the first time he's seen a gun in action.

There and then not. That arachne slumped over with only the smallest wound. ]

He... He is dead.

[ His brain is starting to catch up to the moment, providing more of a response slowly as he takes it all in. ]

[gunsmithed]

[ An eyebrow arches as Percy finally turns completely towards Lan Xichen. He knows the man is a warrior of sorts in his own right, and Percy can't quite feel out where this strange reaction is coming from. ]

I've seen this sort of thing before, he wasn't going to be talked down.

[ And Percy wasn't about to let something injure a friend, if he can help it. He's no healer, and who knows what else might be in these tunnels.

Speaking of. He glances down the tunnel the arachne had appeared from, then back the way Percy himself had come. ]

We should get moving. I'm not sure what might have heard that.

[zewu_jun]

[ Lan Xichen looks back at Percy, hearing him but still recovering from the moment. He shakes his head, still looking at the crumpled body. ]

We might have subdued him. Whatever reason he had... if he was not himself, then we did not give him a chance to recover.

[ There's regret hanging in his words, but he gathers himself together and nods. ]

All right. It is a shame to leave him there, though. Once we get back to the city, perhaps we should inform someone?

[gunsmithed]

We might have. And then what? Just left him here, restrained? There are other things in these tunnels.

[ A quick death seems much less horrible. But Percy is also coming at the situation as someone who's spent significant time in the Underdark, where if something doesn't kill you it's only because it wants to eat you later.

Still, he's not entirely immune to whatever concerns are running through Lan Xichen's head, and he can compromise on a few things. ]

We can do that, yes.

[zewu_jun]

We might have brought him back. To the authorities.

[ It's a little late for discussing it now, but Lan Xichen can't help sounding a bit shaken. ]

I would not want to leave him vulnerable and allow him a worse end, but I would have wanted to prevent his death if I could. Perhaps he has a family.

[ Even if he isn't thrilled with the way things ended, he does smile a little toward Percy. ]

Thank you. I was not properly prepared to act.

[gunsmithed]

[ It makes Percy lift an eyebrow, considering how the rest of the conversation has gone, but he just nods once in return. Whatever else is going on, he's never going to feel guilty about putting a friend's life over someone else's.

And Percy has enough what-if's in his life as it is. ]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ Just in case they run into something else down here. ]

[zewu_jun]

[ It isn't that Lan Xichen is unfamiliar with the necessity of battle, but rather that he has seen it too closely and doesn't enjoy it. Instead of becoming more accustomed to the sacrifices one must make for survival, he's turned off of it even more, trying to avoid judgment and harsh treatment of others wherever he can.

It's probably too much in the opposite direction, but he can't help but want to give everyone as much of a chance as they can have. Often the world is less considerate and he feels pulled to be the voice of restraint. ]

...In any case, it was self-defense. We could only do so much.

[ Yup, he's still trying to rationalize that for himself. ]

Let's move on. Forgive me. I did not expect him to be willing to do such a thing.

[gunsmithed]

[ Long past the need of trying to justify his own violence, Percy is content enough to let Lan Xichen work through it for himself as they make their way back down the tunnel. It reminds him of Keyleth, in some strange way, or at least how she'd sounded at one point. Enough so that he's well aware there's nothing particularly useful he can say.

He does flick a glance over at the last, but just shakes his head. ]

No need to forgive. [ Percy is well equipped for being the one to make the cold-blooded choices. He has enough experience by now. ] He may have been infected, for all we know.

[zewu_jun]

[ For a man that has dealt with many battles in his lifetime already, Xichen still has difficulty coping with violence. He doesn't like it, and when he's forced into it, the action upsets his spirit more than being injured himself.

There's just something about being out of control that disturbs him. ]

Yes... He may have been. [ He's not quite convinced, but he is doing his best to be convinced by that reasoning. ]

If that is so, then there might be a source here as well. We should look for it.