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's typically good at reading people anyway, but when Lance displays the more visible remorse, he offers an encouraging grin and pats him on the shoulder.]

It'll be fine, it's a big marketplace! Only the people that heard you will be cagey, so we can just find another part where they didn't. What do you want to eat, though? I've mostly seen weird and wonderful fungus and wormipede meat so far, so it's one way we can get to know the place.

[Momo hasn't braved the food just yet either, but it's hard to find a meat he won't eat, so he was going to try the wormipede eventually.]

[loverboi]

Wonderful-- you know what? I've had weirder things.

[ like space goo. and nunvil. yikes. he shrugs and walks a little hurriedly past the vendors whom he thinks will be pretty cagey, though not so fast that he'd leave momo behind. ]

Why don't we see what else there is first? Wormipede meat can be our last resort.

[yesdoubt]

Sure, we can check, I just dunno how much surface-like food they're going to have down here... [Momo doesn't have any trouble keeping up with Lance's increased pace anyway, though he does grin a little at the rush. There's probably more textile stalls than food ones in this area anyway.]

You don't really think about how much of the stuff we usually eat needs light before coming to somewhere like this, right? Maybe I need to start respecting mushrooms more.

[And certain kinds of algae that can end up in food, because those are the two things down here he's most familiar with.]

[loverboi]

That's fine! Just, well, anything that sounds more appetizing than wormipede meat.

[ he says it quietly too, at least... trying not to offend even more people here. ]

Hah, yeah, that's a good point. I'm starting to miss all the surface food, if I'm being honest.

[ as they walk towards the food area, lance smells something really good. it smells like meat with some seasoning -- almost like barbecue sauce? ]

Whoa...do you smell that?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo has a good nose for anything that involves meat, so he definitely catches that smell pretty promptly once they get closer to the food stalls.]

Smells good! I guess they have good seasonings down here, if they can make something like that up.

[Which doesn't surprise him all that much, since a lot of good spices are things like roots which grow underground anyway. Maybe there are equivalents that aren't necessarily attached to a plant that needs sunlight.]

Want to roll the dice that it's better than wormipede meat? [He's going to laugh if it turns out to be seasoned wormipede meat, but who knows when they're still only smelling it and not seeing it.]

[loverboi]

Yeah, seriously. Smells real good. And if it's wormipede meat....

[ by the time he says that, though, they walk right past the stall with the yummy-smelling meat. and sure enough, there's a sign on it with a little drawing of a wormipede. ]

...Of course it is.

[ he says it under his breath so the cook won't hear. but he looks over at momo, then back at the meat. ]

I mean... It smells good. Should we?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo does, predictably, laugh when he sees the sign, though not for too long. Lance has probably gone through enough in his little market trip this morning, so he puts a lid on it after a moment or two and moves a little closer to the stall. It probably makes his answer to the question easy to tell even before he nods.]

Yeah, I was planning to try it at some point anyway. Momo-chan's a certified carnivore, I have to at least try the meat they're serving down here even if it's something I'm not used to. I haven't met a meat I don't like yet!

[He makes a joking sort of flex with one of his arms, as if to show off his incredible Protein Powers from all his meat-eating. Except he's wearing a fairly loose shirt, so it mostly just shows...his loose shirt sleeve hiding all the muscle definition he's trying to joke about.]

[loverboi]

[ at that, lance lets out a laugh. it's a nice change of pace from how grumpy he was earlier. ]

Well, well, well, look at you! Showing off, aren't you?

[ dang, momo, that loose sleeve though -- lance turns towards the stand and the cook is busy at work. he reaches in his pockets for some cunes and resists the urge to comment on how he's hoping for a reasonable price. ]

I'll pay for yours. It's on me.

[yesdoubt]

I can't help it, it's what the fans like back home! [He says that in a cheesy, exaggerated tone since he's not really a showoff at heart, but at the same time he's definitely not shy. If people want to see his muscles, then he'll flex for them (usually in a better shirt for it than this).

That said, he looks surprised at Lance offering to pay for his food, like it's not a gesture he's used to being on the receiving end of.] Hey, what if I wanted to pay for both of ours? You don't need to stress about it, I've got plenty of cunes.

[His tone is gentle enough, but there's also an element of stubbornness to it, like he's not going to get gifted that easily.]

[loverboi]

What?! No!

[ lance is giving him a Pout, becuase momo!!!! MOMO!!! ]

I'm okay on cunes too, and you know, I owe you one!

[ for, you know. stopping him from making even more of a jerk of himself. ]

[yesdoubt]

For what, smooth talking? I do that all the time, don't worry about it. [Momo waves a hand rather casually, but also: this is absolutely going to turn into a dumb argument about who's paying. At least there's no credit card readers here to fight over getting to first.

That is not, however, going to stop Momo from reaching into his pockets to see if he can dig his money out first.] I guess you're just gonna make me have to beat you to the punch and pay first.

[He could've just said whoever gets their money out first wins, but that implies he plans to lose this clearly very important challenge!!]

[loverboi]

Alright, you're on!

[ lance hurriedly reaches into his pocket and looks at the price. it's around 1000 cunes per, and he does his best to count his money quickly.

...but he's not going to beat momo. not speedy enough! ]

[yesdoubt]

[Momo is used to having to beat out his juniors to paying for things anyway, so he triumphantly manages to pull 2000 cunes out of his pocket and get them onto the counter first.]

Two, please! [He's all smiles and politeness to the merchant before he pokes his tongue out at Lance.] Gotcha, space boy.

[It's a gentle tease, but also sometimes Momo just wants to use silly nicknames on people.]

[loverboi]

Oh, quiznak.

[ dammit! he's too slow. lance huffs, and the chef hands over two pieces of meat to momo. lance's mouth waters, and he licks his lips as he eyes the food. ]

You're lucky I grabbed the wrong coins!

[yesdoubt]

Maybe you should organise them...? [Momo says that in a tone of utmost innocence as he hands Lance one of the pieces of meat and moves on from the front of the stall so they're not in the way. He's used to being able to ignore his hunger until it gets gnawing, but now that he has food in front of him he's much more aware of how much he wants to eat.]

Should we do it together? So we don't ruin the surprise. [Momo holds the food close to his mouth, as if wondering whether to count them down.]

[loverboi]

If I had a wallet for it, sure.

[ he only has a coin purse, alas...but lance takes his share and he's about to bite in, but momo's suggestion gives him pause. he grins a little and shrugs. ]

Eh, why not? On three?

[yesdoubt]

Don't say that too loud or someone'll pickpocket you. [Momo says that in a bit of a grinning stage whisper, glancing over to one of the alleyways off the marketplace where he's seen some more opportunistic locals looking for easy targets.

He backs off after a moment, though, so he can count them off.] Alright! One, two, three!

[He takes a bite without even hesitating - the meat has a caramelised crust of sorts around the edges, not unlike something like pork belly that needs to be cooked right to release its full potential. The meat itself is still very weirdly textured, but seems to have a mild enough taste that the seasoning is carrying it.

Momo is entirely fine with this, and holds a hand to his cheek happily as he chews. Said cheek is puffed up a bit like a chipmunk looks when it's storing nuts, because apparently Momo also cutes when he eats.] I like it! I might have to get used to the texture, but the seasoning really makes it.

[loverboi]

[ okay, good point. lance looks around, a little paranoid, but thankfully nobody seems to be paying attention!! ...probably.

more importantly (?) though, food. lance bites into the meat, and...wow. the seasoning really does make it. lance lets out a 'hmm' after he swallows his bit, and nods in agreement. ]

Yeah, the texture is pretty interesting, but the seasoning? Dang, I wanna bring some of that back home! Do you think it's a secret ingredient?

[yesdoubt]

[Momo looks like he's considering talking with his mouth half-full again, but decides to spare Lance.] Probably...I mean, if you think about it, competition would be stiff down here when they've got such a limited customer base. But you could always ask!

[Some places will have fancy seasonings that they sell, because having the seasoning doesn't necessarily mean being able to tell what's in it if it's a street stall like this and they're not obliged to disclose ingredients. Actually, he's not even sure they have rules like that in this world at all.]

wanna start wrapping up?

[loverboi]

Wouldn't hurt to ask, right? But first, I'm gonna keep on eating. This stuff is delicious!

[ aaand he's going to go back to stuffing his face. at least he's taking big bites so he can't talk with his mouth full even if he tried.

but after a few more bites, he finally gives himself a break. maybe he should've eaten that a little more slowly -- savor the taste longer, etc. ]

Thanks for this again, man. Seriously, I owe you one!

sure!

[yesdoubt]

[Momo makes pretty short work of his own food, because he's an energetic and athletic type and that also means being hungry a lot. Yuki's roasted him for eating anything he's given before.]

It's no problem. Though maybe I'll call in a sneaky favour sometime in future! [Momo winks cheerily. He does like to keep some favours in his field out of force of habit, though here it's not as useful as it was in the web of the entertainment industry back home. But he can at least maybe make a silly request sometime.]