I. A Friendly Competition (14th - 16th)
To those who spend their time with Aefenglom's Wilders, they'll notice them quite excited as the day of the Not-So-Annual Grand Scavenger Hunt approaches. It's set to be Wilders vs Mirrorbound, and even those who aren't participating are discussing it like a spectator sport and placing bets on one side or the other, based on whose wilderness skills they think will win out.
At noon on the 14th, participants meet at a small outpost just outside the city to check in, where those without partners are paired up, and each duo or trio is given a bundle of items: a list -- on a paper enchanted against moisture and tearing -- of the challenges to be completed, in no particular order; a map of this area of the Wilde marked with general locations for where each challenge can be found - not small area by any means!; three emergency flares, should they find trouble; a small med-kit with basic first aid supplies; and a bag to hold their retrieved items in, which can be turned in at the same outpost at any point during the 48 hours of the competition. You are responsible for your own camping gear if you stay out overnight. At least it's summer out there!
Once everyone has been given their kits, the event begins, setting participants scattering off into the woods to track down and complete any of the listed challenges. The Wilders are highly competitive, wanting to bring a win to their side in the first Scavenger Hunt in a few years, and some of them will do anything (short of murder or grievous injury - they don't mean anyone true harm) to nab more points or sabotage the other side. Watch out for your opponents trying to thieve your item bags, trick you into getting lost, or setting off natural obstacles that will slow you down! All's fair in love and scavenger hunts though - it's not against the rules for you to sabotage them back!
Mirrorbound Witches need to watch out as well - the competition takes place during the new moon, and this month, it's going to be difficult for even experienced Witches to control their super-charged magic. Backfires, fizzling out of spells, etc. are all expected - from you, but not from the native Witches on the other team, whose magic is only weaker on the new moons.
a. Challenge 1: Pearl of Wisdom A broad lake can be found some miles to the east, the water glittering and inviting, if dark enough that you can't see the bottom of it even on a clear day. The brief outlines a species of clam found at the bottom of this lake, numerous, big as dinner plates, and bearing massive, iridescent black pearls, prized for beauty and their properties in illusion spells when ground into dust. One of these pearls is your target. The clams are uninfected and generally safe to handle, protected by their hard shells. The brief does not warn, however, about the troupe of white-eyed Merrow Shades that live in the lake and jealously guard this treasure. They use their shrill singing voices to muddle minds and urge trespassers to drown themselves, and they're viciously adept at fighting both on land and in the water.
b. Challenge 2: Willow Bark The bark of a willow tree, infused with magic, has some fair pain relief properties. The maps are marked with the location of a willow grove, largely untouched by Cwyld, where participants in this challenge are required to collect at least a hand's length worth of bark. The main problem, not mentioned in the brief, is that the real willow trees are interspersed through a grove of numerous toxic Impostor Willows, which look exactly alike, but whose bark has opposing properties - it causes horrible pain when prepared and consumed, and causes ugly rashes when you peel it from the tree. Find the bark of the real willows using observations of the area - insects and small creatures tend to avoid the impostors - or, less recommended, by... testing them yourself...
c. Challenge 3: Track & Observe You have been given an enchanted tracking collar in your item bag for this one. Without harming the creature, place the collar on a Neeklur; these will be used for tracking purposes to study their movements and behaviors. The Neeklur is a breed of small, nocturnal marsupial. They have developed a unique relationship with a type of bush that grows into tall hedges, which spread across sparse, open areas where there are few trees and plenty of sunlight for these aggressively spreading plants. Neeklurs make their nests in the heart of such natural hedge mazes, where they can sleep safely during the day, when the hedges quite literally move around on their own, rearranging the paths between them in, it seems, no discernible pattern, making it quite difficult to find your way around if you aren't careful to mark your path. Without direct sunlight, the hedges are dormant, but be warned that the timid, sleepy Neeklurs transform into long-clawed, screeching little beasts at night. They are extremely territorial, and defend their home as a horde.
d. Challenge 4: Tree Elk Antlers Tree Elk, found in the lush woods, are sporting flourishing green-leaved antlers during the Wilde summer. Retrieve a branch from a Tree Elk's antlers with the leaves still lush and intact to win this challenge. Hurting the beast in any way, even emotionally (they're easily traumatized by a small fright) will cause the leaves to shrivel up, turn brown and/or fall right off. You'll have to figure out how to gain its trust and get close enough to it to take a small branch as a willing gift. Don't worry, breaking off a small branch of antler won't hurt it, and these intelligent, if timid, creatures are happy to bestow them as gifts upon those who have earned them.
e. Challenge 5: Singing Shrooms At the base of an old, sprawling oak, deep in the forest, is a symphony of mushrooms. Literally. These fungi come in all shapes, sizes, colors... and keys. They sing. In fact, they never shut up. You may find them easily enough by their eerie, discordant song, but finding the right one in that cacophony is a difficult task. Many different types of singing mushrooms cluster together, and may or may not be infected. Cwyld doesn't affect their outward appearance, but it does change their tune - we're only looking for the uninfected ones that sing a particular song in a particular key. Pick the right type of mushroom off the tree and bring it back. Though, watch out for the ones with teeth. And the ones that emit poison spores. Or hallucinogens. There are so many mushrooms on that tree.
All retrieved items must be stashed in the given bags and turned in to the small outpost where the event started by Deceuer 16th at noon. From there, Rilla Sparks and her organizers will count each team's contributions and tally up points. There will be back-slaps and congratulations for a job well done, and drinks to celebrate! Prizes will be mailed out to the winners within a couple of weeks.
The prize list will go up on January 1st and each participant who submits an in-progress or completed thread tackling at least one challenge will get to pick what they want for their character! |
II. Modranicht (21st - 23rd)
Modranicht proper begins on the 21st, and the days leading up to it are a frenzy of festivity. Homes are often decorated with sprigs of greenery and, less traditional, ribbons, and many shops begin holding sales on their giftable wares. This holiday is celebrated as a time spent with family and other loved ones; traditionally, all meals should be taken with others, and those who eat alone are said to find bad luck in the coming months. Those who can are delighted to pull strangers in to have lunch or dinner with them, should they seem like they're a little lonely around this time of year.
Especially in the neighborhood adjacent to the Haven, those people who came over from Dorchacht over a year ago, who are doing fairly well for themselves these days, are thrilled to have their Mirrorbound neighbors over for a hot drink or a meal and a spot of catching up. They heard what happened with Morgana a couple months back, nasty business, horrible woman, that, and for the most part, they seem quite comfortable with the idea that she's dead now. "I wouldn't move back," most say, "but it's good to know they're really free of her."
The ones most in need this season are those orphans in the Harbor District, though efforts by the Mirrorbound Council and others to better care for many of the parentless kids there have improved spirits, making kids playing and laughing a more common sight. Still, many of those rascals haven't lost their mischievous streaks: some little ones are quite likely to try and pickpocket you as you pass through, or pelt you with snowballs, but gifts or candy can perhaps soften their demeanor. They're just kids, after all.
a. Kiss-tletoe Redux While many of the decorations adorning shopfronts and houses are simple wreaths and garlands of pine, holly, and ivy, enchanted mistletoe is absolutely littered around the city, dangling in doorways, hung up on walls, hanging from the eaves of rooftops. Strings of it zigzag over the streets, hung from lampposts. This is a festive tradition that will be familiar to some. When two people pass under a sprig of mistletoe together, they're supposed to kiss, and the enchantments on many of those sprigs encourage it. Some will stick the pair's feet to the ground until they do so, some will just very lightly compel a smooch, whether it's on the mouth, the hand, the cheek, the forehead, or anywhere else. It's all in good fun, though - none of the enchantments are difficult to break, should one really not want to lock lips: you just have to destroy the mistletoe sprig you're under.
Careful about getting stuck in public, unless you enjoy being the center of attention in a crowd! Other passers-by will loudly cheer or jeer you and your mistletoe-mate on until a kiss is had! Be wary too, of pranksters who will actively push two people under a sprig, laughing all the while.
b. Craft Fair Gift-giving is an important tradition during Modranicht. It's considered only proper to present something to each of your loved ones, as a token of your care and affection for them. Handmade gifts are still widely regarded as the best, because it shows your effort in creating something just for them, so while shops may be having sales for purchased gifts, they're also trying to drum up more business again in the form of crafting lessons. Most businesses will set up tables in their shops, and for a small fee at the door (to cover materials), an instructor will show a group of people how to make something related to whatever the shop offers for sale. All materials are provided, and attendees get to take home what they make to give to friends or loved ones. Some of these even include small enchantments, such as carved wooden birds that actually fly, or timepieces that announce the time in funny voices. Witches are encouraged to learn the spell and help their Monster friends by enchanting their creation for them, but the instructors will do it as well if needed.
If you have a crafty talent of your own, it's easy to make some good money this season by setting up your own lessons on how to make whatever you're good at. Space is available, though it's up to you to source your materials and decide your fee. All the rage in the Western Residential District, where Mirrorbound are generally regarded as friends and neighbors, is objects and styles that come from other worlds. They absolutely want to learn from you and be able to give their loved ones something new and exciting.
c. Eat, Drink & Be Merry All meals during Modranicht should be eaten with another person, according to tradition. Many families and groups of friends have their own feasts during the holiday, but all are invited to a city-wide feast as well, on the 23rd. Located in a park enchanted to be more spacious than normal, long tables piled with food rest beneath festively-decorated, open tents, and every resident of Aefenglom is welcome to come and have a plate, from the richest to the poorest - all except those often-infected residents of the Outer City. It begins at noon and goes well into the evening, and people come and go as they please, enjoying the food and the holiday cheer.
It isn't required, but many citizens bring a dish to add to the tables, meant to be shared - usually a special family recipe. Mirrorbound are encouraged to share traditional food from their own homes (or close approximations of it), if they want to - many are highly interested in customs from other worlds, and some challenge each other (or you!) to try every single dish on the massive tables.
The festivities don't extend past the Bright Wall, unfortunately, but the people of the Outer City, who don't have much to begin with, can be found having their own feast on hunted game and pilfered vegetables, trying to scrape up some cheer for themselves. Most groups won't turn Mirrorbound away as long as you've brought a big enough dish to share, welcoming you into the fold to bad-mouth those hoity-toity inner city folks, but some rare clusters of residents can be hateful at this time of year, made somewhat bitter by your privilege and their lack.
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Lan Xichen | Witch | OTA
a. A Late Night Meeting
[ The scavenger hunt feels a lot like the competitions he participated in as a youth alongside Wangji, collecting things and facing the elements and wild animals to prove his skill. It's more relaxed than the grand competitions between the sects, with an energy far more pleasant, but gearing up with his friends and heading out into the Wilde still gives Lan Xichen a nostalgic feeling.
He wants to spend the night. Not to win the hunt, but to enjoy the experience of camping outside again. During the night, he wanders away from camp, exploring the area around their chosen spot on his own to do some more traditional tracking and scouting. Of course there will be some others awake even at the late hour. When he hears footsteps or shifting around him, he freezes. ]
Who's there? [ And, slightly more sternly: ] Show yourself, please.
[ In the dark, he can't really see. It's easier to sneak up on him. ]
b. Just a friendly competition, as they say... (Pearl of Wisdom)
[ I know exactly where to find it! the helpful Wilder tells Lan Xichen as he asks about the challenge. There's a trick to it. Most people are going to search around the shallows where the obvious shells are, but the prize is actually deeper in. People don't usually go looking there.
Lan Xichen takes the advice as a friendly tip, and of course once he gets to the lake the Merrow there are not happy to have the intrusion. The deeper side of the lake bring the Merrow toward him even faster, and Lan Xichen has barely waded in to stand on a high rock before they come to chase him. That Wilder got the distraction she wanted and Xichen got a bunch of trouble. Someone help bail him out and maybe find that pearl? ]
c. No one can blame you for walking away (Track & Observe)
[ He's in the middle of the hedges, somehow separated from his team. It might or might not be a surprise that Lan Xichen has managed to find himself alone and turned around in the maze of leaves, standing in front of one wall with a disappointed expression when anyone should come up on him. ]
I need to get beyond here.
[ He offers that as his explanation whether you ask or not. ]
The correct path leads beyond this hedge, but there does not seem to be an open route to it. I have come back here several times and it still isn't clear.
[ It doesn't appear to be helping any time soon, and eventually the light is going to fade. ]
II. Modranicht
a. Harbor games
[ Lan Xichen is walking very slowly and deliberately down the long walk beside the lines of wharf docks, looking up at the sky or occasionally out at the water. Those who observe can catch movement behind and to the side of him in the dark corners against the factory buildings and among various cargo stacked alongside his path. Young children are gathering and creeping up around him, staying low and out of sight, snowballs loaded in their hands or shoved in small open satchels at their sides. As he approaches a more open spot and seems to slow his pace, the group readies their aim. At that point Xichen catches the crunch of an errant foot on crisper snow and looks around. ]
Ah, hello?
[ Snowballs fly. And if you happen to be too close, you may just get hit in the crossfire. ]
b. Kiss-and-tell (OTA)
[ Lan Xichen is out in public with an armful of small cold-friendly plants tied together with decorative ribbons. In the spirit of celebration, he's handing them out to strangers. He also shares candies and little trinkets with children that pass by, many who recognize him from lessons he offers. They tease and joke with him, and a few, knowing his more susceptible nature, try to egg him into sharing his gifts with people conveniently standing under enchanted mistletoe. Whether passing by accidentally or by being actively shoved there by eager children, another person suddenly ends up standing under a sprig with one surprised witch who somehow reminds pale even in the cold. Just fitting in with the scene, apparently. ]
Oh... hello. [ Once he realizes what has happened, he puts one of his bouquets in the other's hand. ] I heard we should give gifts to those around us. Please accept this.
c. Outside of the Bright Wall
[ Lan Xichen doesn't limit his gift-giving to the space within the inner city. He brings his homemade decorations, trinkets, and candy to the outer city, along with food and things like cloth and furs when he can obtain them. They are small, but he's giving them out freely in an attempt to share some warmth. Most of the time things go smoothly, but on one trip he happens to come across a few residents that take his gifts and appearance as proof of the witch's arrogance. He's clearly flaunting, and bringing useless ribbons?
Those passing through are greeted by the sound of a break in the mood as the angry group turns hostile. It's not a celebration without at least one brawl, right? Currently, Lan Xichen is on the defensive, mostly avoiding blows, but that is getting more difficult as the chaos builds. And naturally it's starting to draw spectators as well. ]
[ooc: Xichen will be giving out random silly gifts as well. If you want something probably dumb, you can reply to any of the Modranicht prompts and I'll have him bestow something on your character. Mistletoe is totally open if you want random kisses and shenanigans! Also feel free to plot with me at
I.a.
When he calls out, she gladly complies, lighting a small fire in her palm that illuminates her face. ]
Sorry! It's just little old me. [ No one has ever described Tsutha as "little." ]
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Ah, you surprised me. I thought I was about to be swallowed by a wild beast.
Are you also participating in the challenges?
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[ Another joke. Never expect Tsutha to take anything seriously for any length of time. ]
Yeah, me and a friend from work, and one of her friends all formed a team. What about you?
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[He likes that attitude of hers. Cheerful and free, something that feels foreign to him.]
I am accompanying friends as well. A teacher and his companion. They are skilled in adventures, so we decided to try our luck together. Although, it has been some time since I have competed like this. Do you take part in competitions very often?
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II.A
Well... we can't let them get away with that, right?
[ Just like that, it seems they're teammates... if Lan Xichen is down for it, anyway. ]
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Xichen is already covered in snow by being pelted in the first volley. He laughs lightly, charmed by the other man's energy, and finds himself unable to resist. ]
Well, since we've already started the game, I suppose we'll have to finish it.
[ The orphans cheer, howl, and scramble, hurrying to reload and find the best vantage points for hiding and launching their next opening. Xichen, too, scoops up some nearby snow. ]
My name is Lan Xichen, Young Master. I am grateful for your assistance.
II - c
and he probably would've gotten involved too, danger senses be damned. puca or not, it's just not okay for so many people to be ganging up on one, and especially not when he happens to be related to that one. a member of the mob draws back his fist, but promptly goes flying from a well-placed kick before his punch can connect.
he appears then, turning to grin and wave at the elder lan witch.]
Zewu-jun, hi! Tell me what you could've done to piss these guys off so much, I have to know!
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Lan Xichen blinks in surprise at the sight of Wei Wuxian, who is a relief to find now in the outer city.]
I suppose I have done something offensive, [He concedes, trying to be fair.] I did not realize they dislike think sort of ornament. Perhaps I need more practice.
[Despite those words, he sounds more frustrated than contrite. Why can't he give small gifts? The children at least should enjoy them.]
And I apparently forgot to bring a dish.
[He wasn't going to spend dinner at anyone's home in the first place.]
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[unlike most cultivators, wei wuxian has mingled - and tussled - with more common people. he's met plenty of guys like this before.]
Can you put a protective barrier around your gifts? It must be hard fighting with your arms full.
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[He looks from Wei Wuxian to the angry crowd of thugs around them, still debating on whether he's being unfair, it seems. After all, they must have a reason to be angry. They wouldn't attack people without any reason at all, right? But he also believes in Wei Wuxian's cleverness.]
They seem upset... [Also possibly drunk.]
I could create a shield, but I don't want them to get dirty.
[This is very important. More important to him than retaliating against the attacks. Although, saying that, he has another near miss from one of the angry attackers.]
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I-A
[During the night, Roxas steps out to both stretch his legs and to scout around a little; even being here for almost a year hasn't tempered his turnskin desire to explore.]
[That desire, however, has drawn the attention of someone, given that stern reply. Roxas jumps a little, his canine ears perking up.]
Ah, sorry! It's just me.
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Ah, you surprised me. Were you out hunting as well, young master?
[Roxas is probably having better luck than Xichen, with how hard it is for the witch to see.]
What have you encountered so far?
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[Roxas actually pauses at that, not ever really referred as that before. Some of the Dusks from back home used to call him "My Liege" back in his Organization days... In any case, he looks back out into the dark and nods.]
Oh, well, kind of. I was getting restless, so I went looking to see if I could get a better idea of the area. I haven't encountered anything yet, but there's a lot of interesting smells out here.
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Mm. [He hums affirmation, because everyone can be young master here. It's delightful.]
Then we have the same goal. I am also exploring to be more prepared for what lives here. What sort of things have you sensed?
[He trusts a Turnskin's senses far more than his own.]
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iib
[ his mouth presses into a thin line. ]
... Thank you. [ he eventually edges out in politeness, reluctant but sincere as he examines the gift. ] This will make a nice addition to my home.
[ but, with a dry arch of a brow, and coupled with slightly challenging undertones, ]
How many of these have you given out, so far--?
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So he's a little extra pleased when Viren shows up and accepts his offering. He already considers the dragon a friend, even though they haven't interacted all that much.]
Gifts? Many. Mostly candy and small trinkets.
[His answer is cheerful and full of energy, still not quite realizing he's stuck in place. Or perhaps not minding, since it keeps Viren there a bit longer.]
I thought candy might perhaps not suit your taste, but if you would like some, I still have a few sweets left.
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As expected...
[ not spoken tiredly, but he's almost amused at the circumstances. almost. he's noticed that include "flowers" were not included in that grouping of the many presents given out; thus, viren takes at least some solace in thinking, erroneously or not, that at least his type of gift is uncommon. he likes to feel special, okay. ]
I don't mind. [ and because that's somewhat unclear, err - ] Sweets, that is.
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Then he smiles even more brightly then before, fishing in a sleeve for some treats, which he pulls out as an offering to the dragon. He cups some in his hand and holds them up like he found treasures he wants Viren to see. It turns out they are brightly colored hard candies. ]
They remind me of little jewels. Would you like to try some?
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I.a.
[ And with a bear to guard over Percy in their absence, the pot is not calling the kettle black. At least, not to her mind.
That Lan Xichen heard her at all was because Vex allowed him to, and she offers a small smile as she emerges from the shadows, the gesture lacking some of the earlier awkward energy. ]
Did something catch your eye out here?
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[He sounds completely surprised, as if he didn't just go on his own private adventure without telling the others first. If he were at home, he would certainly be scolded for doing something like this. As a teammate, communication with his peers is always important, and as a leader, he wouldn't be allowed to go anywhere unaccompanied.
...and perhaps that did play a small part in his reckless decision. But he turns and bows with both greeting and apology.]
I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I thought I would be back before I was missed. I thought if I went hunting, then you could both enjoy the fire together.
[Hint hint.]
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[ It is difficult for people to do things that Vex doesn't notice - not impossible, she'll grant you, but she pays more attention than most. ]
Uh huh. [A brow lifts, unconvinced of his argument. And most definitely not commenting on the fire, or any enjoyment thereof] It's important to keep the group informed that you're heading out, no matter how late it is. This forest isn't safe, even with some of the cwyld subdued.
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a!
Children, that isn't very nice of you when--
[He mildly scolds the closest couple as he slithers more hurriedly across the snowy cobbles -- only to be interrupted by a crack shot across the way knocking his hat clean off.
Anyone wearing a hat like that is practically asking for it, in the opinion of small and unruly children.]
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When he hears his Bonded's voice, he stops, looking up in time to see that hat get knocked down and hear cheers from the team of young gang of youths. He hurries to Jin Guangyao's side, suppressing a laugh of his own.]
Oh, dear. Are you all right? A-Yao, you shouldn't be out in the cold.
[He tries to shield his friend from the incoming snowballs, using his body to block the fresh ammunition.]
Now, children, be nicer. Naga are sensitive to the cold weather.
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I could hardly stay inside all day. Especially when there are the local festivities coming up.
[He replies with a faint smile, brushing snow off his hat first, then reaching up to brush it out of his Bonded's hair and off his shoulders. He is feeling a little sleepy as time passes outside, yes, but so far today he's been slipping from store to store to warm up a little between each slither across snowy streets.
But it's still far from ideal, and another unfortunate reminder of his current state.]
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