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

[princessascended]

[The bracelet fastens around her wrist and Kairi looks at it for a moment. She can kind of feel what the woman was talking about earlier. Was there some magic in this one?

Closing her eyes, she tries to feel it out. Her arms pull in on her body, hands out right in front of her chest as though prepared to push something. Her right hand, the one with the bracelet on it, darts forward-

And water shoots straight out of the air to splash Sora in the face as she does so.]

Ah! Sora! I'm so sorry!

[The Naga's grin gets, if anything, wider.]

1/2

[oathkeeper]

[Splash!!]

2/2

[oathkeeper]

[!!!!????

Geeze, one second he's watching her test out this fancy trinket and the next she's a water bender!

Sora sputters quickly and wipes the magicked water from his eyes.]

Whoa-! Hey, is it supposed to do that?!

[It's okay because honestly Sora's sort of half laughing.]

[princessascended]

[Kairi pulls out a handkerchief and reaches out to dab at his face, but the Naga is cackling with delight.]

"Oh how wondrous! It must be tied into the element of water! Nothing I or a monster can use, but in the hands... or rather, on the wrist of a witch? Very useful, as you can see!"

[She rubs her hands together.]

"Well, thanks for helping me clear that up, dearies. Now I know exactly how much it's worth. Especially with the heat right around the corner. How about..."

[And the price she names causes Kairi's eyebrows to jump skyward.]

Excuse me?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora is still sputtering but luckily Kairi is there to help clean him up. Once he's decent Sora does end up shaking his head and his ears out much like a puppy might to free his hair and fur of some excess water.

It was sort of funny until... that price is said. It's way more than what Sora has in his pockets.]

Wha- Whoa! That's... Isn't that a lot for something like this? It's still just a charmed bracelet. It can't be that much!

[...]

Er- Sorry, Kairi... Maybe we can come back for it later?

[princessascended]

"Now now, this is a valuable piece of merchandise. After all, how many pieces of jewelry like this are actually enchanted, much less with anything so useful?"

[Kairi narrows her eyes, but not in anger. No, she seems speculative. She's gonna try something, and Sora will get a trickle of curiosity and daring from her.]

I won't deny it seems useful, but it's not like we're living in a desert. It's basically just a step up from a bucket and a water pump. How about- [And Kairi names a much more reasonable price.] Instead?

[The naga woman responds with a satisfied grin and shakes her head.]

"Oh no no dearie. I'm afraid you're quite undervaluing it. Desert, no, but what if you find yourself stuck out in the wilderness with no safe sources of water? It happens, you know, and that little trinket can save you from it for-"

[She names a price that's still far too steep, but much better than the first one. Kairi grins and radiates satisfaction. The bargaining is on!]

[oathkeeper]

[Kairi... She's so powerful! Luckily the bond does allow Sora to pick up on Kairi's daring curiosity and hearing her makes him suddenly grin. He doesn't want to give it away too quickly but there's this bubbling pride he has for her that makes him bounce on his heels.

Go, Kairi! Go!]

Hmmm... That might be a little better. But still. It's not like we can't find some water magic too... I think our price was fair.

[Sora isn't the best bargainer so he'll casually let Kairi say her piece too.]

[princessascended]

Maybe we can go a little higher, but Sora's right. I'm a witch, after all. This would really just be a little boost. How about [New, slightly higher price, because that's how haggling works. She knows this, she's seen it in movies.]

"A little boost? You just saw what it can do for yourself! Maybe you are trying to rob me after all... but I'll be generous, and offer it for-" [Another offer. Closer to the one Kairi made. She pauses a moment, and decides it's time to seal this deal.]

I think I know exactly what I can use this for, and what I can't. And I'm pretty sure any other witch is going to figure it out pretty quickly when they see it too. The powers, and the limitations. So I don't think you'll get more than... [One more offer.] That's my final offer. Take it or leave it.

[That's what people always say at the end of these sort of negotiations, right? Kairi sticks out her hand to shake with the Naga, who hems and haws for a bit... But finally grabs her hand and shakes it.

"Done. A fine bargain. You two impress me." [She holds out her other hand, still keeping a grip on Kairi's.] "So... payment now, since we had such a spirited debate over it."

[oathkeeper]

[Impressive. It's almost like watching something out of a movie itself. It's right now that Sora really notices just how much Kairi has grown up lately, taking charge like the princess she really is. Not just letting anyone step all over her. Sora wouldn't have been able to do bargaining like this if his life depended on it.]

Alright, fine! Payment now! Here.

[He gives Kairi a quick smile and a proud wink before he digs into his pocket and pulls out the money needed to purchase it. Sora can afford it now and he still intends to buy it for Kairi. He hands the money over.]

We'll be sure to tell people about your booth too. If that helps.

[Free exposure??]

[princessascended]

[Kairi had... actually completely forgotten that Sora had already said he'd get her something. She'd gotten so wrapped up in the haggling that it hadn't occurred to her.

But she knows better than to object when he hands over the money and the shopkeeper chuckles, releasing her hand and slithering back to slide her profit into the till.]

"Pleasure doing business with you dears. Now you go tell everyone you know... Lady Ophelia's shop is the best around for all your jewelry needs, magic or mundane."

[Kairi chuckles, rubbing her new acquisition.]

We'll keep that in mind. See you later... Miss Ophelia.

"Ta-ta, dearies! Maybe next time I can hook you up with a nice pair of rings!"

[Oh for crying out- another flush, another rush of embarrassment, and Kairi just takes Sora's hand and marches down the road while Ophelia cackles.]

Oh my gosh she's shameless... Sora, was that really okay? Spending all that money on me like that?

[oathkeeper]

Huh-?!

[Sora yelps quickly as he's snatched and marched away! Sora simply follows with a confused look on his face.]

Uh- Okay! Bye! Thanks?

[Once they're far enough off Sora smiles at Kairi and easily shrugs.]

She was pretty weird. But it's fine! I wanted to get you something anyway!

[princessascended]

[The confusion practically radiating off him is simultaneously kind of charming but also frustrating. Somehow being the only one to get what the woman was implying bothers her. Does it mean that's where her mind was going already? That would be... really, really weird at their age. Or maybe she's just letting the woman's teasing get to her.

Hopefully it's just the latter, but this line of thought is getting her nowhere. Shaking her head, she focuses on Sora, stomping down her frustration and stray thoughts.]

It was pretty pricey, though, even after I argued her down. You didn't spend more than you could afford on me, did you?

[That would be absolutely like him. And he'd deny it, but he's so bad at lying, asking the question is all she really needs to do.]

[oathkeeper]

[Sorry he's a dumb teenage boy...

Sora tilts his head with a curious look. His long rabbit ears are twitching.]

I didn't! Don't worry about it! [He might have spent a little too much. But Sora is honest when he says she shouldn't worry about it.] I do a lot of odd jobs so it's not a biggie.

[If she likes it what's the harm!]

[princessascended]

[Kairi doesn't answer at first, of course. She stares at him with a steady look and a concerned frown, a sort of thoughtfulness wafting across the bond as she tries to decide if he's being suspicious or not.

Finally, though, she can't really see or feel all that much from him that implies he spent way too much, so she figures that it must not have set him back too much. Still...]

A lot of odd jobs, huh? You saving up for something, Sora?

[That would be rather important to know, if he just blew a bunch of money on her that he was trying to save for something important.]

[oathkeeper]

No, not really.

[He grins and nudges her shoulder with his own.]

What do I gotta buy? I like helping out with the work out in the wildes because it's fun to do and it helps everyone out. But all I really buy is food!

[And other essentials like clothes and stuff of course. Sora's just kind of okay with money it seems!]

[princessascended]

[Actually, that makes perfect sense. Because yeah, of course Sora's going around and helping out all the time, it's what he does.

Reassured, her worry fades away, replaced with tender affection and warmth. Smiling fondly, she leans up to him.]

Well, in that case... thanks, Sora. This was really sweet.

[And places a kiss on his cheek, just far enough to not technically be on the lips.]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora's ears twitch happily at her affection with a slight pink blooming over his nose and cheeks.]

Heh. You're welcome, Kairi.

[At least something really good came out of running into those idiot spider-thugs.]

[princessascended]

[She just stands there with him for a moment, basking in the moment and radiating warmth and tender feelings through the bond.

But then she remembers where they are.]

Ah... maybe we shouldn't just stand around here. You wanna keep looking, or... maybe head back topside?

[oathkeeper]

[If only they could have a second more of that! Sora's a bit taken up but the feeling of their warm bond but he focuses when Kairi mentions they can't just stand here!]

Oh- Er-! Right. Maybe we should back, I heard the deligations are gonna be starting sometime this afternoon. So we better make ourselves scarce for now.

[princessascended]

Ohhh, good point. Right, let's go back home and... I dunno, snuggle on the couch?

[Look just because she's constantly got him in her head now doesn't mean she wants less physical contact. In fact it sometimes seems like the bond is just kinda making it worse. Or better, depending on your point of view.]

[oathkeeper]

[That sure does make Sora chuckle warmly and he nods quickly.]

How can I say no to a deal like that?

[The bond most definitely makes things a lot stronger. He kind of craves the closeness now because of their flickering emotions on their shared bond. So, it's back towards home they go.]

Let's go!

[princessascended]

Right!

[And off they go, hand-in-hand, to go back up to the surface and make an adorable snugglepile on the couch.

All-in-all, she's pretty satisfied with how this whole thing turned out.]