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

[yesdoubt]

Momo nods understandingly at the way she describes the nomads, because that's about the situation he was imagining. It doesn't seem as if there's a wealth of uninfected areas outside the city, and it sounds like many of the people living out there are infected if soundness of mind is an issue.

Her mention of the Cwyld in the tunnels allows him to circle back around to her mention of the state of the surface, too, expression also becoming a little more serious. "On the surface, infected areas of forest are sometimes burnt to clear it, but that can be dangerous in itself. The conditions near here would've given a terrible impression because the entrance to your caverns is deep into what we call the Wilde, which is heavily corrupted in both plant and animal life. But you may be able to talk to the Coven about leyline purging. It's still somewhat experimental, but we've recently made progress healing a dangerous section of forest by flushing out the corruption with our own magic over a few months. It would have more potential for your tunnels than fire - how close has the Cwyld gotten to the city at this point, and how fast?"

He wonders if the moss would hold out as a defense if the corruption made it that far.

[moustre]

Infected or simply feral, but neither manage to make it to the marketplaces; the moss keeps out those with the Cwyld and the guards take care of the ferals. It's a serious situation to be in, one she is very aware of. "I was aware of the poor conditions outside the open tunnels," she agrees musingly. "All the more impressive that you have forged your way out of your protected city at least this far."

She falls quiet and listens raptly to his description of leyline purging, leaning forward imperceptibly. This is something of definite interest. "If it continues at the same rate it has thus far, it may reach our boundaries in just a handful more years. You really healed an infected forest with this leyline purging?" A hum. "And you think this is a technique they would share with us, provided we had something to offer in return? I imagine they have little vested interest in seeing tunnels they have never been to cleared of Cwyld."

[yesdoubt]

Momo doesn't even need his people-reading skills to tell he's caught her interest with that. Her words immediately explain why, too, because if things are progressing that quickly then her fears of being trapped in the city would be all but imminent without some kind of cure prospect. He knows all too well how quickly a handful of years can pass, especially with something lying in wait at the end of it.

"They shared it with us Mirrorbound, even the new ones - I was only here two weeks before I participated in it. So it's something I don't believe they intend to hide. It does take a lot of Witches working in tandem, but you have your Academy, and the Coven may be curious to experiment in another environment or, as you said, take something in return for the help. If not, a lot of Mirrorbound helped with the first attempt, but the Coven would have more specialised knowledge even if the method itself isn't difficult to learn."

He'd almost call it a brute force method, honestly, but he doesn't know whether there's any particular intricacy to the initial Coven-supervised attempt that he's not party to. So he figures it's probably safer to direct her through the Coven, especially since they could use the extra numbers if they agree. That, and it might be more temptation to expand visitors beyond the Mirrorbound.

[moustre]

"I see," she hums, neither discouraged nor encouraged at first glance. Only thoughtful. "Is it dangerous for Witches? It cannot be, surely, if new Mirrorbound Witches were allowed to assist. Unless you are all spectacularly strong, I suppose." Her eyes pull in a slight 'frown'. "We have our Academy, certainly, but our population of practicing Witches is lesser than our Monster population, and I certainly must weigh their safety when considering...

If your Coven were willing to teach us this method, but would not assist in person, would the Mirrorbound? You certainly owe us nothing. We are merely two peoples trying to learn about one another, but you would make yourselves an ally in this world."

[yesdoubt]

Momo considers that question, because 'dangerous' isn't the word he'd use, but it does bear warning about anyway. "Not actively dangerous, but...vulnerable, I think I'd call it. The Witches involved have to focus all their energy on the line, and it's extremely draining, so if there's Shades in the area we'd be easy pickings. When we've done it, we've had Monsters on defensive lines to make sure no Shades get close enough to harm any of the Witches involved."

But then, he figures Monsters on protection duty wouldn't be a problem down here, considering the entire society has that element of Monsters being there to protect Witches. "I can't speak for every Mirrorbound, but as far as I've seen in my time here, the majority of the Mirrorbound think we were brought here to help and fully intend to help as much as we can. I know I and many others would be grateful to make more allies here and do what we can to improve things while we're in this world."

While Momo has been a bit on the formal side for this whole exchange, there's a straightforward and simple sincerity to what he says about helping and improving things. It is, at the very least, something he deeply believes in and believes a lot of others here do too.

[moustre]

"I see. Then it is not a task to be undertaken lightly or without proper guard. This is good information to have." She sighs once. "If it is so draining, then I will have to limit how many of our Academy Witches may try at a time, as well."

He's right about that - they tend to think the natural role of a Monster is to protect their Witch, so this method sounds like something perfectly acceptable, with caveats.

Her lips turn into a small smile again. "It is quite heroic of those Mirrorbound to take such a stance. To wish to improve a world that is only yours while you remain here. We would be grateful for your assistance in this, and if we can assist you in turn, please, you only need tell me how."

[yesdoubt]

Momo nods understandingly at her caveat on the Academy Witches, since if there's less Witches down here in general, it makes sense to ensure they're not putting that kind of strain on all of them. Especially not at one time.

While Momo's in the habit of keeping favours up his sleeve anyway, in this case it feels like the natural thing, since he doesn't want to presume much about what the Mirrorbound would want in return. Though there is at least one point he could mention. "While I couldn't speak for every one of us, I think a lot are interested in information or hints at how we were brought here, and some are very interested in how to return to their own worlds. So if we can clear tunnels further out from the city, I'd say a lot of Mirrorbound would appreciate the opportunity to explore them further alongside your people. But we often go where the dreams lead us, so it may be that we need to call on your help in future if something else in the tunnels is revealed to us."

It's hard to tell what the Mirrorbound are going to need in advance, considering these dreams can throw them complete wildcards. "As it is, I think many would just be happy to have another city to visit and learn from, and bring new ideas to. Mirrorbound come from so many different worlds and times that I don't think we have any shortage of those."

There's a touch of humour to how he puts that - she'll definitely get new ideas, even if some of them might be a bit strange. Or a lot strange.

[moustre]

The Matriarch listens intently to his request, nodding once when she's heard him out. "To want to know more about your strange arrival is only natural. Would that I had any answers to offer you here today... However, this Underground is my realm, and unless I am given reason not to, to allow your people continued access to the tunnels and our city is a reasonable request I am prepared to grant. You have my word that if you find yourselves in need of us as guides or otherwise, our assistance is yours. However we may help you in unraveling your secrets, we will do so."

She nods deeply, not quite a bow, as if to seal the promise, rising again with a small smile. "I hope this will continue to be an exciting exchange of cultures that will enrich all of our futures."

[yesdoubt]

Momo inclines his head politely in turn, because this is about what he wanted out of the meeting. As long as they can still come in and out of here and establish some kind of relationship with the city to potentially build on further in future, he's done his job. Learning more about the city in general can come alongside that.

"I hope so too. And if you ever want a performer from the surface to help in any of your celebrations, I'd welcome the experience."

This he says in more of a natural, cheerful tone, since it's just an offer of his own skills because he thinks it could be fun and not political talk.

[moustre]

The Matriarch actually laughs at the offer, clapping her hands together once. "A performance would be delightful. On the next of our holidays, I shall call upon you, then. I'm sure my people would be fascinated to see what entertains those above."

[yesdoubt]

Since the mood seems to suit it now, Momo winks cheerfully and offers a more theatrical bow at that to seal the proposal. "It's a plan, then! If my partner comes through the mirrors in that time, I'll be sure to bring him along too, it's much more of an experience with the both of us performing."

Momo doesn't particularly like performing alone, honestly, but he'll do it for something like this that's an outstanding opportunity. "In any case, I hope I've given you a better understanding of things on the surface at the moment."

[moustre]

"I hope to see it some day!" She considers. "Unless it would be an unpleasant thing, for a loved one to come so far from home." Apparently she doesn't really know how they all feel about that.

"You certainly have. I am most grateful for our talk."

[yesdoubt]

"For some people, but there's no way to tell how long someone will stay in this world. So I'd be happy for the chance to make the best of it if that's how it turns out," Momo says, his tone somewhat measured but honest. It's obvious enough he's had to put some thought into how he feels about this whole thing before now, but that's his conclusion for the moment.

"I'm glad to have been of help, then. If you ever need to consult with people from the surface again, I'd be happy to help with that too, but either way I hope we have the chance to return and learn more about your city."

He's guessing the chances of that are high unless someone after him manages to ruin everything, but he's trying not to be too presumptuous.

[moustre]

"Ah, that uncertainty must be strange," she muses. "Still, it sounds as if you have a good attitude about the whole thing. We should all make the best of our situations as we can."

The Matriarch nods with a little more ceremony, not quite a bow but a bit deeper than a regular nod. "Unless I am given reason not to, I will keep the tunnel open for you and yours to come and go as you please. We are happy to welcome the Mirrorbound back."

[yesdoubt]

"It is, but I like to be optimistic regardless of what comes my way," is all he says in regards to his attitude. He knows how it feels to give up on everything and not feel like it's possible to move forward, so he's bounced back as far from that as possible in hopes it'll never happen again.

To her more polite nod, he bows slightly to offer that additional step of politeness. It's something of a habitual thing from home. "I'm happy to hear it. It's been a pleasure speaking to you, and I'll do my best to ensure keeping the door open to us is beneficial to you and your people."

There's only so much one person can do, but Momo is a helper and if the Underground ends up needing them in the future, he doesn't plan to let them down.