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

QUESTIONS

[moustre]

GENERAL

[moustre]

SETTING

[moustre]

NPC THREADS

[moustre]

The audience hall is a large, single-story building carved of delicate stone, guarded at all entrances by spear-wielding Monsters. Stalagmites and stalactites have been carved into twisting, flourishing shapes lining a path from the grand doors to the dais. Each diplomat should present their copper token to the guards any time on the 21st, one at a time, and will be allowed entry. The Matriarch herself, a tall and imposing Arachne, dressed sparsely in white silk on her upper half that leaves little to the imagination, is 'seated' on the dais, long, chitinous legs curled under her. Her eight insect-black eyes watch her new guest with both wariness and curiosity; they are alone in the hall except for the guards at the entrances, who make no move to interfere. Her spear is close to hand should things turn ugly, but in a decorative stand sat toward the back of the dais, it's easy to ignore its presence. She will not reach for it unless prompted.

A small table within reach offers refreshments, and the sharp-toothed woman regards the diplomat across from her, clawed fingers tapping at the arm of a wide 'throne' positioned behind her. "Welcome, welcome. I am the Matriarch of this city." Her greeting is perfectly polite, neutrally pleasant. Her many eyes are sharp. "And what is your name? Come. Let us speak."

[fiddlestick]

With Elliot having that seed to improve his resistance, would he count as infected to the moss?

[moustre]

Since we don't want to bar anyone from the event, you're welcome to say that since his resistance is improved it won't register him as being infected quickly enough to ensnare him. Just maybe don't linger underneath it, Elliot!

[fiddlestick]

Whew! Don't worry he knows the moss eats people so he is too terrified to be near it long. Thanks mods!

Follow up question: What kind of food do they eat in the underground?

ETA: Oh sorry I found the section that mentions the types of meats and stuff! I guess if there's anything else about it?

[moustre]

A wise choice!

They primarily eat bug (roasted wormipede kebabs are a common street food dish), the giant rats, lots of various fungi, sometimes the glowing algae, the blind fish from the streams, and a few varieties of plants that grow without sunlight. Much of this is farmed in the agricultural caverns and the livestock caverns.

Re: GENERAL

[rowdyraven]

Sorry if this has been asked somewhere and I missed it, but how are people in the underground likely to react to a Monster who is only part way through their transformation, and most of the changes aren't yet visible (as in, mostly hidden by clothes)? Will they be recognised as Monsters regardless, or mistaken for Witches?

[moustre]

If their changes aren't visible, they will just assume a Witch! Unless it's a Turnskin with a heightened sense of smell, who might possibly be able to tell (or might not).

If they assume he's a Witch and he tells them he has no magical talent they'll just assume he's a human who flunked out of Witch school.

[rowdyraven]

Thank you!

Edit: Oh! I should have added...if he tells anyone who mistakes him for a Witch that he's actually a Monster, just not quite there yet, will they take him at his word or think he's making things up?

Alucard | Castlevania

[cryptsleeper]

I. Down with some friendly moss

[Maybe it isn't a surprise that the moment the boats departed from the shoreline, Alucard has tried to document everything that has passed along the shoreline. Oh, well yes. The lighting is absolute garbage and his eyes are hardly what they used to be, but there's still the furious sound of something moving over paper from his seat in the boat.

It doesn't stop until the curtain of strange moss presents itself, and the movement of something overhead (a bat, perhaps? the noise sounds familiar) is made clear. There's a movement of the moss, and it's upwards at whatever is trying to clear the barrier.]

How fascinating--

[Something that only amplifies with the sudden brightness.]

A truly natural defense and barrier.

[Never mind that everything about to pass under is going to be exposed to the same damn thing.]

II. Library

[A day in to library exploration, and Alucard has developed a system for himself that he seems to think will work for the more delicate scrolls. Rather than simply plonk any of the material down on the desks and work, he's found a wide, large board in the market. It's a whole three feet long, so awkward to haul about, but once set up properly? He can place a little extra support under the scroll itself, and keep the ends just a little more stable.

He's sitting in front of this little re-purposing of some old wood with a notebook in hand, focusing on a particularly detailed account of a battle against nomadic tribes. But in hearing a noise just ahead, Alucard looks up from his work.]

Hm?

[He's been asked about translation spells a few times now. He's ready to assist again.]

III. Wild Underground but no david bowie

--Stop.

[Exploring the underground was not a thing of leisure. There was no reason to think it ever might be, and that was no reason to leave it unexplored. Alucard's found that wandering in uncharted lands helps him deeply. City life has never been in his veins.

The dangers are worth it. He's dodged an invested mole already, and ducked beneath bats that he might recognize as friends if he were home.

None of that compares to the noise he's hearing ahead though.

Scrolls back in the library spoke of nomadic tribes here. Fierce and terrifying things, but their level of education and culture unclear. But here, now? Things come into clear focus.

The ears of a particularly fearsome chimera twitch, and Alucard has only just enough time to get his sword out.

Great! This is fine!]

Shit.

IV. Wildcard
Anything not above

[cryptsleeper]

Library questions
--Is there any kind of card catalog or other system for locating scrolls by topic?
--For the history scrolls, what's the dating system like, if any?

[supersoldier]

Regarding the library, if someone asks a guard what’s being kept on the second floor, what would they learn?

[whomthebelltolls]

Does the city have a name for itself, or is it just "Underground"?

Also how hard is it to get into that second floor of the library? And is there any kind of hints at Forbidden Knowledge that can be gleaned from ~4 days of research in the city?

Re: GENERAL

[gilgamess]

Would it be okay to put up a placeholder for an open top level that will soon be followed by closed starters for planned thread partners, with notes to self for the starters, so I can add in my threads as I am processing the different parts of the event? Doing it that way would make it easier for me to write/post them as a group and keep organized since I could notate and replace as I go.

[sylphid]

- What happens if a character decides to taste or eat the glowing algae or the curtain moss? Does it do anything? If so, does it differ between witch or monster? (asking before eren gets here)

- Fie's bringing Alfin, her trained hyena-monster pet, with her on the trip. Would that elicit any specific reactions from the underground dwellers-- maybe shock or comfort seeing a newcomer with the same creature they possess?

- What special/new types of weaponry or garments are available here vs previous locations?

- What's the deal with betting on arena fights? Asking for a friend.

[turmoiling]

Reading is for witches, huh? If asked around, do Monsters get any kind of book-learning, or do they just train to fight?

Also following up on a suspicion, how did the Matriarch get her position? If it's not through some kind of trial by combat I'll be surprised, hah.

[moustre]

They will be somewhat confused and will probably ask how that's possible, wasn't he born like this? Basically prepare for all the intrusive prying. Is that really how things happen where you're from?

[moustre]

You can set up your own top-level however you'd like.

[gilgamess]

Thanks!

[mensrea]

Does any of the writing in the library match the unfamiliar language first found in the Northern Outpost's ancient cave etchings?

Re: GENERAL

[mensrea]

How unimpressed are the guards when Stiles tries to coax them into letting him speak with the Matriarch solely based on the fact he's the only Mirrorbound Arachne..........

slips them 100 cunes with a wink

[starters below]

[gilgamess]

ii. library

[silentsavant]

[A young-looking dragon of mean stature but serious comportment approaches Alucard with a rolled scroll delicately nestled in scaly black hand, minding his sharp nails against the delicate material. Whatever Soren's got, it looks luxurious, the silk luscious and richly patterned but doesn't give much hint to its contents. It exudes a stately aura. Anyway, Alucard's got the right hunch:]

Would you mind translating this for me? A summary would be fine. I just want to get an idea of its subject matter.

[Which, should Alucard choose to accept the proposition, is actually nothing of great importance at all, but what amounts to someone's fanfic about a popular fantasy novel down here. It's pure wish-fulfillment foe yay shipping of the story's daring hero with its wily antagonist. Feel free to... embellish more details....]