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

[usurpers]

[ the real answer? eren didn’t actually know how he did it, but there was no harm in telling him what he did know. it didn’t make a difference, if not just for peace of mind, maybe. so after a silence taken to see to his mug, ]

All Eldians are connected through a timeless, spaceless dimension called Paths. Where that point connects is called the Coordinate. [ there were . . . a lot of in between a that could make a sufficient explanation lengthy and muddy, so eren clips it, cleanly: ] That’s what I am, and where I was.

[bloodwit]

That's...

[ it's an explanation that simple to follow, but he recognizes where that it's something that's broken down conceptually, rather than delving into the details. viren breathes a sigh through his nose, trailing smoke. ]

[ he looks away from eren, finally bringing his beverage to his lips. it's pleasant, in a gritty and unfamiliar sort of way. he likes that it's something new to taste. it's something he can indulge in for now. ]

What would happen to that man that had been able to escape? [ a beat; certainly, he's notable as the only survivor, but, ] "The father."

[usurpers]

Rod Reiss . . . Would father one of my best friends, [ a bastard child. a woman hiding from her history until it was time to use it. ] and she'd kill him, to become our Queen.

[ eren wonders where viren's thoughts had led him to rod in the first place . . . perhaps the pointed instruction to keep only him alive? maybe because it was another father? he rolls his shoulder, and placidly allows some irked tension to simmer to a quiet broil. ]

He'd try to feed me to her for The Coordinate and she'd refuse. [ if rod hadn't been kept alive, his future wouldn't have happened, so. that was planned, too. ] It was slated to happen from the start.

[ where was the start? he'd wonder, sometimes, if there was no past without his future meddling and no future without the past. it didn't matter, but he'd often contemplate it. ]

[bloodwit]

[ jesus, that's hardcore. viren finds his expression* slipping as he'd listened, although it fades as he sips over it with his drink. after all, he's certainly no stranger to more violent means of succession. quite familiar, in fact. if he had a better sense of humor, he might consider the idea of king soren to be funny. ]

"The Coordinate"? [ ah. that eren brings reminds of something slated to happen -- has viren thinking of fate. he's unsure of how he feels about it. ] What would be so enticing about that, that he would think she would even consider it?

[ provided it's true: that it'd actually been intended as a choice in the first place. ]

gmail ate this notif!! 😭

[usurpers]

It could only be used to its full potential with her bloodline, [ he rolls his shoulder, ] or my brother’s.

Commanding titans, altering memories, [ tapping his mug back to the counter, he pushes it away, gently and empty, ] or even influencing them.

[ there was, of course, the wall titans and the rumbling, but, those were finer details of something more ghastly. ]

All I had to do was come in contact with him.

[ it almost sounded easy that way, but eren doesn’t mention what he had to lose to get to that point. his head. literally. ]

YOU GOOD

[bloodwit]

... Ah. [ his eyes had widened; no wonder. what's more of a wonder would be that best friend of eren's, he thinks. but, for all of viren's lofty ambitions, he can think of a similar circumstance in which he might deny that power. ] You have .. more than a few moving pieces to contemplate, Eren, "slated to happen" or not.

[ only hearing bits and pieces of this journey made for a puzzle. it's not that he cannot try to understand, but viren thinks there to be only one key—although, getting there was the challenge—to attaining power he (thinks that he) needs. anything else, and that has yet to be revealed. ]

[ his shoulders dip, gaze falling to the bar in a brief moment of quiet contemplation. upon movement, it flicks to eren's drink. ]

Will you be having another?

[usurpers]

It’s over, already. I’m where I need to be. [ his circumstance. checkmate. he was at end game and nothing could stop the rumbling’s march anymore. in other news, his mouth is glowing though, if that’s. neat? the taste is stuck to his gums and he’s not sure if he enjoys having his tongue throw a flicking party to smooth it out or not.

eren shakes his head and holds his hand up with the base of his palm resting on the counter. ]
I’ve had enough.

[ that leaves him with a silence that plagues eren’s thoughts, too, and eren asks, flatly and directly: ]

What about you? [ he’s not taking about another drink. he’s talking about the lie that disappointed him to this day, but then again . . . that’s make him a hypocrite, wouldn’t it? that’s just who they were, and that’s what eren was for being born human, he supposed.

even if what fueled this feeling was his draconic nature to begin with. ] What were you afraid of when I saw you?

[bloodwit]

[ the glowing tongue is a strange marvel, but thankfully(?) viren's thoughts are rapidly directly elsewhere. that eren answers with finality affords viren some strange relief (it's over, it would be done), and then he wants to answer that, yes: despite it all, he will probably have another drink -- when eren clarifies. the use of the word afraid has viren visibly balk. ]

[ otherwise, he'd had some time to reflect on answer, so he hopes—hopes—how he should articulate an answer shouldn't fail him. for just a moment, he struggles. ]

No one knows that that happened. No one. [ one person does, but harrow may as well be dead, and forever silent on it. it's something he prefers they both take to their graves. ] It's something that I've told everyone happened differently. ... That is all.

[ well -- it's not all, but this time viren hopes his sincerity rings true within his voice. ]

Because it's not something I can have people knowing.

[usurpers]

That you felt betrayed? [ wasn't that . . . normal? bending the knee was like swallowing a toad, but lies were always probably necessary to get to point b and eren— knew that. it had been the lie after that, in the present, that his draconic half couldn't swallow. he silences, cants his head in brief thought, ] I don't care what you did, for one. If I'm no better than you, I'm worse.

[ much. much worse. ]

Most of us are.

[ it only depended on what pushed them to their own extremes. he won't say anything about it though, he was far less a gossip and business was business. ]

[bloodwit]

That I was betrayed.

[ it's a response with a sudden amount of vitriol behind it, and hurt, but such is the extent that it's difficult for him to mask it. his tail gives a languid thrash, like it doesn't have quite the energy, sullen as it is, to do so properly. the comments that follow, however -- are not something viren expected to hear. it's usually just the opposite, in fact, and that's why he thinks he likes to interact with eren. ]

Most...? [ an echo.

he's almost not certain if he'd heard correctly. but he swallows, dryly, and then thinks to finish off his drink. there's something about this that seems off, in a way that strikes a rare chord of concern within viren. he would have to pick up on that cue soon. but for now, ]

You'd been upset. When I said that about — servitude. [ rather than immediately flagging the bartender for another drink, he waits. ] Does that annoy you that much?

[usurpers]

[ not that most were worse, but perhaps— most were on the same line of bad and never completely good. with his prospects tainted with the worst humanity has offered and being on the worst end of the stick, it was difficult, so very difficult, to see things differently. when he thought a step had been made, the rathmores took his expectations hundreds of steps back. when could he see the world in a brighter light? doing so and seeking such has only disappointed him and jaded his hope (even if a fracture, just a thread, hangs there). in the end, even he was confused with his own actions sometimes . . .

eren rolls his shoulders, not so much a shrug but an acknowledgement. ]

You pissed me off the same way my old man did.

[ was it really fair to say that? it's where eren's psych sometimes spirals into corkscrews, and he ends up in the same place eventually: grisha didn't want to kill children, he had a good heart and i corrupted him— but why would he care about them more than his own son and family? why would he give up on everyone who sacrificed his life for him for suicidal kings who wouldn't? it was complicated in his head and too many years of experiences that sometimes weren't his spoke too loudly. he is wrong, and yet he is compelled to be this way because of the shape his life has molded him to.

he'd say it's always been that way, but when he starting feeling so possessive about the notion of freedom, it was harder and harder to pinpoint. his time in aefenglom continues to stretch and twist his sense of time to a point he feels like it's always been this way. ]

When you preferred that instead of what you really felt, at that moment, [ anger, vengeance, justice, ] that's all you were to me.

[ he's willing to change his mind if it's rekindled, where were plays its part— he not a dragon to hold grudges anymore. ]

[bloodwit]

[ he's had time, viren reminds himself, to think on this conversation — there wouldn't be any outbursts, even as his grip does tighten about the base of his empty beverage. the action is necessarily minimal, or his strength would have shattered it. ]

[ he exhales, and smoke clouds the air. ]

It's something — that those of the Kingdom should think of ourselves. As servants. Anything more would be... untoward.

[ the words feel like glass, and come with a (very familiar) swallowing of fragile pride. ]

... Regardless, I shouldn't have said that you.

[ he doesn't know if eren wants to hear an apology. there's a slight shake of his head. it's something he must grasp at - what should he say, in an effort to mend this? was 'mend' even the correct word? his gaze had cast downward, but now finds the man sitting next to him, again. ]

[usurpers]

[ a quiet psh huffs past eren's lips. ]

Fuck the Kingdom. As long as you don't think of yourself that way, [ it's all he needed to do the exact opposite, ] that's all you need.

[ as irrational as the upset could've been on eren's part— receiving a direct apology about it felt even odder. whatever that was supposed to be— reconcile? eren holds up his empty glass and dips his head in acknowledgement, clinking it against viren's and let it sit there as he slid off his seat. if you're not actually alright with being a slave, it's all good.

old man. ]

[bloodwit]

[ viren's eyebrows lift at the comment, his eyes rounding at the resounding clink against his glass. he peers after eren as he slides from the bar; he's grateful to himself, at least, that he can mask any disappointment that comes with the other dragon departing. ]

I don't know if I would put it... that way. But, yes. It can be... irritating.

[ he sighs. it shouldn't be irritating, is what he knows. but then again, he thinks humility hardly should be relevant, either. ]

Will you be taking your leave, then?

[usurpers]

I've had enough of the city.

[ no offense to those who dwell here, but his nod comes honest with his words; ironic that he basks in an underground hole himself, but not entirely keen on dragging his time out when his interest was waning. no legends that aligned with his searches, no history that didn't lead to dead ends— it was time to go home. "home". ]

See you.

[ which doesn't reject other encounters as he takes his leave; you're back in the game, not-dad. ]