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

[cryptsleeper]

Perhaps.

[He can let the rest of the subject go, especially as they draw nearer to the city. There's something about being beyond that encourages this sort of discussion, he thinks. It's a good thing. Reassuring.

Alucard is ready to speak next, but he stops just long enough to read between the lines, even as an arm extends to help Maria with her coat if she needs it. At least temporarily.]

Those that you know appreciate that.

[Would fellow work?]

[whomthebelltolls]

[Fellow works. She nods in appreciation as he gets the jacket off, and cranes her head a bit.]

Is it bad?

[There's a couple people that might fuss if it does look bad, but though it's bled a bit, it is as before - a flesh wound.] It does not feel so terrible, but I believe my pain tolerance to be a bit... excessive at times.

[cryptsleeper]

[A good and non-emotional f word.

Alucard keeps carrying the jacket with it folded over his forearm because he cares a little too much about good garment care. He does have to look at Maria in full, and there's a careful noise of consideration before he pronounces a verdict.]

I think it's volume of blood to depth of the wound, more than anything else. How light headed do you feel, if at all?

[whomthebelltolls]

Not at all. Losing blood is something I'm well familiar with, as well.

[She's familiar with a lot of things that would probably make the people who know and care about her upset if they knew about it.]

It dripped quite a bit, but I think, if it doesn't look like it tore muscle or went to the bone, a healing spell or two should suffice, hm? How are you feeling? I saw it got you, too.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard frowns, leaning in a little more. He's not his mother, he can't diagnose on sight, but he's not an idiot either. There's a soft hum of consideration.]

That and if the depth is more than either of us think, a stitch or two. As for myself--

[He had barely registered himself. Alucard pauses, holding up both forearms. There are shredded sleeves, and he tuts.]

I'm more worried about fabric in the wounds getting infected. I'm sure whatever healing spells are available will take care of that concern.

[whomthebelltolls]

Mm. We can start with healing spells. Do you know any? [She turns back to take her coat into her arms so Alucard can assess himself.]

If you can clear the area, I do. They're by far not powerful spells but... useful for field medicine.

[cryptsleeper]

A few, mostly for surface things. Some part of me still focuses on the old fashioned way first.

[Son of a doctor. It's inevitable, and Alucard feels not an ounce of shame for it. Quietly, he rolls up his shredded sleeves, careful not to let any more stray threads get into the wounds.]

Truly, I've never had to worry about injuries before arriving here. Everything would heal in the blink of an eye.

[whomthebelltolls]

Mmm, it has its places here. Or when magic isn't relevant - like silver burns on turnskins. [There's no Old Blood, or anything conditioned to bear even a watered-down version of it here, so her usual method of playing "doctor" isn't relevant.]

We had our own ways of healing rapidly. [But she just explained it. She waits for him to roll his sleeves up, then slows to a stop, and turns.] Will your spells suffice for that? If not, I could probably do it.

[cryptsleeper]

[There's a flick of a smile across Alucard's face at the mention of silver. There's an old and familiar problem, although he'd never say as such out loud.]

I think my spells will be fine, however the angle--

[There's one or two that are just beyond the elbow, making seeing them properly a slight task.]

If you could simply tell me if I miss a spot?

[whomthebelltolls]

Of course.

[She sets back to observe, watch the way he heals, how he casts the spells. She has no pointers, because she is not a healing focused Witch, herself (not like Fugo), but she can at least see if there's anything she can do, if he does miss a spot.

In fact, if he does, she'll probably just heal it, herself. Alucard gets the Bro Discount.]

[cryptsleeper]

Thank you.

[Alucard's own approach comes from having watched his mother's work, in the end. Carefully mapping out the whole of the situation, albeit this time with touch rather than with simply his eye. Understanding where there are problems, and then attending each wound one at a time, the worst and neediest coming first. His fingers trace over each, and so it mimics how his wounds naturally heals. No glow. No fanciness. Only flesh knitting itself together, streaks of clean skin contrasting against blood.

It takes barely three minutes. Satisfied, Alucard holds up his arms in front of his face for a final check.]

--Everything covered?

[whomthebelltolls]

[Maria takes that proffered arm - gently, she turns it over in her hands - without straining the limits of his flexibility, she guides it from side to side, watching with an appraising eye. The fact the blood is still there makes it a bit difficult, and she reaches down to grab her cape with her other hand, bringing it up to wipe the blood away near his elbow. That's what it's there for, so that's what she uses it for.

She never did admit to what her medical background was, so she doesn't draw attention to it. Instead, once the cape falls away, she plants a hand up near the tricep, and touches the skin. There's a brief flash of magic, and then, she hums.] It's scabbed, so try not to catch it on anything, but it should suffice to heal normally on its own.

[Just like that, the firm, but gentle touch abates, and she lets his arm back down.] I cannot do anything if any others close to you inquire about it, though.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard's not been touched by a great many people outside of Trevor, Sypha, and his parents, so there is a little bit of awkwardness to him. The matter isn't intimate, it's just convincing himself that the matter is value neutral. It comes easily enough, and there's even a murmured thank you when Maria wipes with the cape.

Ah. So he did miss a spot. The flash is not unlike Sypha's own work, and there. All is done it seems.

Once freed, Alucard gives a discreet nod.]

I'll make up an excellent story about it. Thank you.

[whomthebelltolls]

Of course.

[She is all ready to just... sort of let him go with that, honestly. She's totally ready to just walk on, and leave the wound on her shoulder still open and sore and... at least not bleeding as much. She can't really reach it to heal it.]

... I'd ask about your aid here, but where it is, by necessity, would require me to remove my shirt to not heal the fabric into it. I'll not be doing that here.

[cryptsleeper]

Then please lead on.

[Alucard's not going to demand to fix a problem that hits against an intimate area. It'd be rude and besides, he's come to accept Maria as a near f-word. This is just what f-words do.]

[whomthebelltolls]

[So she does, back toward the town, with a calm, even gait that doesn't demand too high a pace from either of them. She doesn't want to stick near to the corpse, lest it attract scavengers - or its friends - but the closer they get to the city proper, the more relaxed she feels. She'll have to have a nice, long sit-down talk with herself about what she considers "safer than other places" though.

Once they're back into what passes for civilization, she pauses, and decides to slowly put her coat back on. The dark coloration hides the blood better than what she's wearing underneath, even if the added weight does little for the soreness.]

Well, we come away from this with our lives. I'd offer a drink, but I'm not sure if I trust the kinds of alcohol in this place.

[Which also means that Maria... is in yet a further bad mood because she can't even drink to forget the other reasons she's in a bad mood, and so it's just even worse. ] You're staying with the rest of the Mirrorbound in that... hostel, or however you want to call it, yes?

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard's able to keep up with ease. Maria may be a little taller than he is, which is almost dad height in truth, making it all second nature. It's impossible not to notice how tension in Maria decreases the closer they draw to the city, and--

--well he's against coat wearing, but he isn't going to pick that fight. That seems a poor life choice.]

I'll accept a drink once we're top side. In my garden, if you wish to examine the progress.

[He has so many roses now.] And yes, I am. Would that be easiest for you?

[whomthebelltolls]

Ah, yes... that sounds quite nice.

[It's a... friend date. Wait, no, it's neither of those things, but she'll agree to it nonetheless.]

Are you sharing your room? I would not want to intrude if so.

[Better than her room, and whoever is there. Or rather, whoever is not there, that is bugging her.]

[cryptsleeper]

[It's called hanging out.]

Neither one of them are present, that much I can tell you.

[whomthebelltolls]

[Excuse you... okay, she can take that.]

Alright.

[Wait, is she really going through with this? Hmm...

It takes them some time to get back to the hostel, but Maria doesn't seem to have any hesitance walking in. She stops there, though.] Which one are you staying in?