polymods: (Default)
polymods ([personal profile] polymods) wrote in [community profile] polylogs2021-07-02 03:00 pm

Something in the air...

POLYMYTHOS: THE ISLE THAT BLOOMS

The Isle That Blooms


Ⅰ. ARRIVAL
You can read all about your character's arrival in the game lore.
This is the first isle you can smell before you see it rising on the island. It starts with the faint hint of growing things that blossoms into a floral scent that teases you with the combination of familiarity and the unknown. The next breeze seems to carry you closer even as it coats everything in a delicate wash of golden pollen that only the Ferryman seems to be able to avoid.

Do you like your lips to taste the gritty sweetness? Or are you already starting to sniffle? Either way, the island starts as a smudge then turns into a riot of color as it reveals itself.

The Isle that Blooms lives up to its name as flowers vie in a silent war of roots and strangling vines to cover every viable surface with sprays of color and vibrant pulsing life. There are signs of human life in the form of a village built on stilts and full of little anachronisms like a glowing neon sign that hint that the island sees a large number of Travelers come through this place.

And who wouldn’t be drawn to the abundant flora, brightly painted houses, and lively locals?

Everyone seems to be glowing with health as the locals gather near the dock to welcome the latest set of tourists. They come with arms full of flower wreaths and friendly smiles, clearly in control of their faculties and interested in trade. Their clothing is as bright as the paintings on their buildings, as the flowers that surround them, and perfect for the warmth of the day.

Do you notice, though, the absence of any babies or prepubescent children? Or that while there are old people, no one shows signs of the infirmities that come with age? It might be easy to miss, especially as the Isle starts to affect you, too.

The ache in your back from that terrible fall, the craving for that next drink, the trauma that’s too close to the surface, all the petty hurts the build up in a lifetime start to fade as you, too, start to bloom.

Notes:
1. NO GUNS are allowed on this island. The Ferryman will keep them safe for you.

2. These residents of the island are normal humans. Killing them is possible and may affect the color of your Scrywatch.

3. Any type of flower could exist on the island, blooming somewhere, regardless of its real world requirements. Rare ones are difficult to find and magical ones need a check in with the mods.

4. There is nothing preadolescent of any animal species on the entire island, including insects.

5. The island’s ability leaves people as the healthiest, most energetic version of their current selves. Examples: A blind person in otherwise good mental and emotional health would notice minimal changes. A person with a disorder would find themselves having a string of good days. A 50 year old probably hasn’t felt this good since their thirties.



Ⅱ. THE TEMPLE
Orchids in shades of yellow and pink so bright they glow have been trained to grow along the walkways and bridges of the elevated village to guide Travelers to this island’s Temple. The building stands alone at the edge of the Village, extending out in the ocean of flowers that fill most of the isle.


The temple is made of simple stout wood that has been carved and painted in patterns ornate and lovely in a way that speaks of hundreds of hours of creation and maintenance. The same orchids that guided you here gild building and act as camouflage the sleeping porches ring the outside. They are kept private and safe from insects by fine netting, and you will find the bedding soft and fine.

This Temple’s Guardians are a pair of lazing cats with strange spots and scaly wings that regard you with affectionate disinterest as you explore the facilities. There are toilets and sinks, but no baths or showers. The pantries are stocked with edible flowers and fresh fish and the space and tools to cook. If you are brave enough, the Guardians will probably give you practical advice on how to use those supplies. There are new clothes and sandals better suited to the heat, and even practical machetes.

Notes:
1. The Main Temple is still open to those who are brand new to PM.

2. There are paints and carving tools if you want to add to the temple decorations. (Maybe mention it during the Oracle Event if you do.)

3. All fabric items are ridiculously bright and vaguely tie dyed.

4. The marker orchids have a distinctly strong smell of vanilla with a hint of lime.



Ⅲ. THE LOTUS BATHS
CW: fantasy setting drugs.
There’s only so long a person can stand to be covered in pollen, and when you ask the locals, they grin. Oh, you want a bath? There’s a path back to the ground and through the tall flowers to a natural spring. Make sure to head out early, they warn.

It’s always better to be in the village before nightfall, and you are clearly going to take a while.

As you walk the winding path to the baths, the everpresent flowers seem to thin out and even disappear as ground warms and rock rises from rich soil. You can smell the mineral richness of the bright blue pools that form waterfalls over a series of rising ledges. There is life, though, even here, in the form of delicate lily pads that float in rafts around vivid lotus flowers.

If you test the water, you’ll find it’s warm enough to melt the knots out of muscles and make it easy to understand why the few bathers seem to be so languid and relaxed. If you sink all the way in, well, not only will you manage to get clean, but you might find yourself mellowing out even more. So mellow you’ll hardly notice when the pleasant hallucinations start.

You’ll find yourself drawn into visions of your most private joys and of the pleasures you keep to yourself. Maybe it’s a matter of shame or maybe it’s because they’re too precious. There’s one small problem, though. If someone else gets in the same pool, not only will they start to share the same vision, but you’ll start to see theirs too.

Will the fantasies become a nightmare or will you manage to navigate them together? Will you ever be able to look at each other the same way again?
Notes:
1. The hallucinations will end when you leave the water, but only once you and your bathing partner are both out.

2. The flowers are magical and will affect everyone, even robots or super powered people.



Ⅳ. NIGHTBLOOMING
CW: abduction, violence.
You are warned to stay in the elevated village at night. The flower fields are safe enough during the day, but things happen at night. It’s hard to imagine during the day when stingless bees that glitter in jewel colors bumble along and hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas feed from the abundant flowers while squeaking their strong opinions at each other.

But as the moon rises, and most of the flowers close, there’s rustling sounds that make it clear that there are big things moving through that growth. Things that make the hair rise up on the back of a person’s neck. It would take a big prize to make it worth finding out what makes those sounds. A big prize or a reason to face your fears.

There’s a scream in the night. You can ignore it, of course. Not everyone is meant to run towards the scream. It might not even change the color of your ScryWatch.

But if you go to the source of the sound you’ll find a mother weeping openly while other locals gather around to comfort her. It seems her teenager decided that the best way to woo their lover was with glowing flowers that only open under a full moon. The teen has been gone for hours, and the grim expressions on the people around you say his chances aren’t good.

You have a choice to make. Will you go into the dark to face the unknown dangers? Will you offer some other form of comfort? Or will you go back to hide in the safety of the Temple?

Notes:
1. The danger in the flowers consists of six foot tall nocturnal orchid mantises who have the teen pinned in a tree. They are currently singing a human language lullaby to the kid to get them to go to sleep and fall out of the tree.

2. The mantises have a hive mind and will retreat if one of their number is killed, but can also be talked to and negotiated with. They will be willing to trade a regular supply of fish for no longer hunting people.



Ⅴ. SPECIAL EVENT: THE FLOWER ORACLE
In the center of the village, there is a giant flower bud that is bigger than a man is tall. The villagers tell you that you are lucky. You will be here when the Flower Oracle blooms. You will have a chance to speak directly to the Ancient One through the Oracle, and She even answers. All it takes is a little sacrifice.

Notes:
1. During the week of July 12-18, there will be a special event post where characters can choose to interact with the Flower Oracle for a chance to be rewarded, get an answer, get silence, or get punished by the Ancient.

2. Any starter posted during this window will be honored, specifics to come.

3. This event is optional!

Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.


Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-11 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"She may have been somewhat less than civil, but there's no need for apologies."

In fact, his smile returns as Gideon continues to attack. Ignoring the displeasure of her superior? Is she that determined to best him? They really will break their weapons again before that happens.
necrosavior: (action; fistbump bikini)

[personal profile] necrosavior 2021-07-11 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"She is right here," Gideon says. She's under no oath of silence and doesn't see any reason to. "I've been as civil as you have." Which isn't terribly much but didn't matter as they'd been evenly matched on that front. Confidence and cockiness.

Gideon keeps her machete from too much harm. Instead, she thinks of the screams, of what's happened here already. "Are you expecting anything more or worse than the giant bugs?" Gideon asks. Because beating this guy isn't worth failing to save someone else.
quire: (finger gun)

[personal profile] quire 2021-07-11 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"I could fix this real quick for you..." he says glaring at Kyle. A big pink psionically created boxing glove materializes when he balls up his left fist "Ugh. Pinky? He's not even clever!!"

When Kyle's apology seems more sincere than defensive though, Quentin's own desire to keep jabbing him with the sharp end of his own sense of justice completely dissolves.

"He deserved it," he mutters, determined to dismiss any incarnation of his future self— real or imagined. "Look, whatever, I can fix this ok? I can knock all this nonsense out of your head and make sure these hallucinations stay in the realm of like... your mom's cookies and visions of you curing cancer or whatever makes you feel good." The fact that he's asking permission to do so instead of just doing it is a peace offer of some sort.
quire: (island lyfe)

[personal profile] quire 2021-07-11 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, you're not Krakoan David? Too bad. That gold outfit was pretty baller." Quentin squints like he's trying to place the version of Earth David speaks of.

"Shocking no one," he says smirking like he's waiting to see if David hears the innuendo in his own remarks.

"Do I look like I'm in danger?" His psionic hammock begs to differ. "Mock me all you want, I'm not doing anything this place obviously WANTS me to do until I know more about who's running this place. It's non-violent resistance. I'm basically Ghandi."
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne / Prodigy - From Marvel Comics (Uniforms Look Good (X-Factor))

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-07-11 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"I didn't say I wasn't from Krakoa, Mister X-Force," David answered, rolling his eyes. "And yes, Jean-Paul has some fashion sense with those uniforms. I always swore I'd never go back to yellow and white after high school, but he made it work."

He's going to pass up that innuendo completely. Yes, he got it. No, he doesn't think it's worth engaging with.

"You look more like the danger. And you're definitely not Ghandi, which is good."

He looks around for other likely trees, and not finding a good place for one, hold his hand out to his side, forming his own psionic energies into a folding chair. Once he had it unfolded he sat down.

"So, when are you from? Clearly post first X-Factor trip into Mojoworld."

Always an important question.
speed_of_snark: (wine)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-11 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
That it's amazing you're not hammered already. Come on, let's have some floral cocktails and see if they affect gods and superhuman metabolisms.
speed_of_snark: (bit softer)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-11 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank fuck we're not allergic," Jean-Paul chuckles.

It's not difficult to find a place - there are benches set along the raised platforms of the village offering stunning views of the land below. Flowers roll over hills in all directions, with the ocean/sky off in the distance.

Sitting feels good. As he gets older, it feels better and better, which is a little disconcerting sometimes. "It is pretty."
speed_of_snark: (bw smile)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-11 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Jean-Paul actually hugs back.

"Of course you have," he says.
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-07-11 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh thank god it's not on the ground. David smiles and moves to the bench when they near it, immediately sitting and taking a deep breath. It really was soothing here.

So he smiles off at the flowers and nods in agreement.

"I'm still glad home isn't quite like this."
speed_of_snark: (uh huuuuh)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-11 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Does anyone WANT to be here?" His tone implies he doesn't think that's even possible. Jean-Paul is of course just personally sick of being kidnapped and forced into lives that aren't of his own choosing. It's happened too many times in recent memory.
speed_of_snark: (massage)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-11 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"As am I," Jean-Paul agrees. "It's a bit cloying. I prefer Krakoa's balance. I never feel like I'm stuck in the Savage Land or some crap."

He stretches his legs out, flexing and relaxing his feet. "Also Krakoa has masseuses. I haven't seen those here."
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-07-11 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hard to feel suck when the people you love and adore are there, right?" David answered.

Wait, Krakoa has masseuses? Wow, David feels like he's missed those.

He sighs and leans back more on the bench. He doesn't want to be sitting here, but hte warmth is so soothing.

"Of course you'd find a way to get a massage."
kyley_b: https://fmdinisio.tumblr.com/ (yup)

cw: anti-Semitic language

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-07-11 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"No, he's never been clever," Kyle sighs, resigned now.

"'EY, fuck you, Jew!"

Kyle waves a hand as if to say 'case in point.' He looks at Quentin warily, thick brows raised. "You can do that? Stupid question, of course you can." He wonders if it will work. The last time this happened, the hallucinations had stopped once he and Deadpool were out of the bath, but he wasn't sure if that was why or if it was because Kyle had nearly died.

Having Quire just bitchslap his hallucinations away is tempting. After all, what could go wrong?

"Okay," he says. He glances at Quentin's older self, still wondering why that was maybe a pleasant memory but not being able to judge.
extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-11 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ooc: Awwwwwwwwww leave it there for now?]
what_fourth_wall: (Rub back of head)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-07-11 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you're comparing me to Wolverine, it is his spunk that they stuffed deep inside me." Deadpool shrugs, not taking his eyes off the women and family he has in and around the pool. Part of him knows they aren't real. But all of him knows nothing is real, so how is this any more or less real than anything else?

"Oh leave him alone. I'm much more worth your time," a voice from Quintin's right says. It's a familiar one...it's Phoebe.

"Oh shit, I'm pretty sure that's one of yours," Wade says as Phoebe leans into Quintin's side.

"Okay, I'm used to being in a comic book. But now I'm in a Dreamwidth roleplay thread based on a comic book? This is getting a little meta, even for me." That voice from Quintin's left turns out to be Gwenpool. Almost jealously, she leans into Quintin's other side.

Phoebe glares at Gwen around Quintin's face. "Tell her to get lost, Quintin. I'm not even sure she's a real mutant."

Gwen sticks out her tongue and pulls Quintin towards her. "I was written onto the island. You can't take that back!"

Phoebe yanks Quintin back. "Just because you found your way here doesn't mean you belong. He keeps showing up," she jerks her head at Deadpool, "and you know what happens to him? We get Wolverine to stab him a bunch. Maybe we should do that to you, too."

"Rude," Deadpool mutters, but he's kind of entertained watching Quintin's own moment with his ladies start to spiral.

Gwen yanks him back again with more force. It starts to devolve into a yanking match when suddenly another voice cuts sharply across their little contest. "I do believe he was mine first, ladies." Idie is standing in the water, arms folded and eyes sparking as she looks at the three of them.

"I mean, laugh all you want, but I think I prefer my sickeningly saccharine stuff, man. I know you guys are pretty poly over there on that island, but you do choose some pretty possessive types."

If Quire's fantasy is to be wanted, it would appear he's being wanted too much at the moment.

And Deadpool may be taking shots, but the fantasy is infected now as the two men's hallucinations mingle and his own love interests are starting to look like a brawl might break out.
kyley_b: (RL sure dude)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-07-11 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Just here. I assumed in your life the answer would be yes. [Oh, the humidity is paying merry hell on Kyle's already ridiculous curls. He looks like a mangy poodle.]

I noticed that too. Lots of people with powers and shit. Kind of makes you wonder if there's a reason for so many of you being selected for this. [He considers, then shakes his head.] Or maybe it's just that if you lead a weird life you're more prone to being super fucked up.

Yeah, that's probably it.

Not that I'm trying to insult you or anything.
what_fourth_wall: (???)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-07-11 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Deadpool's eyebrows raise a little. "Shouldn't we be talking about both of us if we're getting deep in these baths?"
what_fourth_wall: (Fighty Time YAY!)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-07-11 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
It was a most notable learning experience. Sage nods about that all around. But hey, if you wanna know a secret, narration to narration, this guy's writer's first character was a thousands of years old Tzimisce vampire from World of Darkness who was basically next door to an antidiluvian. Talk about your Gary Stus!!! But hey, at least there was fun macabre fleshcrafting?

Anyways, this idea for another string of roleplay is accepted and eagerly anticipated. Make a whole Powerpoint presentation! Just don't use it badly, because the writer here is a public speaking teacher and rails against the misuse of Powerpoint constantly.

"OH HEY!!! Nice one!!! You didn't waste any time at ALL!!!"

Deadpool hops off her back while she's retching terrible bug juices out of her mouth. He takes the bug mouth and struggles mightily to rip it in half at the jaw joint. It wouldn't be hard if he were normal sized, but he's tiny and weaker. But some leverage and cleverness eventually snaps it in two. He takes a few moments (assuming there will be much retching on her part, this stuff smells NASTY) to dig out all of the head guts. Then he slips his arm into each half and jabs at the air with two sharp mandibles.

"AHA!!! Now we're cooking with fire!!! I can stabinate the FUCK out of some stuff with this setup!"

extrasensory_problems: (Default)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-11 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[He offers her a small shrug and a smile.] You don't have to apologize, it's not your fault that our memories decided to blend together.

[He motions at the water.] Someone should really put up a warning sign near this, I thought I was just getting into a hot spring or something.

I'm Carter by the way.
kyley_b: https://fmdinisio.tumblr.com/ (yup)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-07-11 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"No." Said with perfect confidence, as if Kyle absolutely understands the point of all of this.

"Mine was fine until it got muddled into yours."
bookerlesigh: (considering)

[personal profile] bookerlesigh 2021-07-11 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)

And he's been recruited, which isn't as much of a put off as he usually finds it to be. He'd offered, after all, and he pushes aside the oddness of that as he looks between the dress that's entirely too large, and her.

There's a moment of internal debate: does he mention that it's atrociously oversized for her? Or maybe it's not for her. Booker hesitates for a moment before he decides that he's not interested in opening that can of worms, and instead picks up a pile and heads over. "Need to be a dress?"

what_fourth_wall: (Angryface)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-07-11 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mine was fine until it got muddled in with yours! Ugh it's like the lesson here is that fantasies are inherently selfish and incompatible with any other reality." He folds his arms and frowns. "I hate that lesson."
quire: (telekinetic tools)

[personal profile] quire 2021-07-11 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"WOW," he declares sarcastically at this kid's blatant anti-semitism. "Are you even Jewish or is he just a fucking Nazi?"

The answer hardly seems to matter though when Kyle's willing to try. Sure they could get out of the baths but then Quentin wouldn't get to try this. After hearing a little chatter about some people's powers being on the fritz he's been eagerly finding purpose for every talent he's ever possessed.

"It won't hurt," he promises. Perhaps when he conjured up that boxing glove he was ready to make it sting just a little, but tempers have cooled now. And he pops Kyle gently in the cheek with his big pink glove and.

Boom.

There's a moment where his consciousness blinks, like the power flickering in his brain. Then, when Kyle's blinking himself back to reality, or something like it, he's wearing shower cap made out of that same intangible pink energy Quentin manipulates. Along with it the pleasant hallucinations are strictly limited to Kyle's calmer happy thoughts — not so much the vengeful, or spiteful ones.

"Still with me?"
kyley_b: (I learned)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-07-11 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Kyle stares at Deadpool for a moment. "You might be onto something there," he says, sounding excited. "Yeah! I bet that's exactly it."

He nods, looking satisfied. There. Solved. Neither of them has to dig ANY deeper.
necrosaint: (070)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-11 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
To her credit, Harrow doesn't call Gideon off. She may look disapproving, but she isn't actually ordering her to back down—and she's not sure Gideon would respond, if she did. Technically she's supposed to, but Gideon never read the manual on cavaliering.

Which is also sort of Harrow's fault, so.

She'll own that one.

"Likely due to being in combat, you're going to get some ... barbs or innuendo," is said to Sephiroth, and it looks like Harrow's going to say something else before she catches on what Gideon's said and seriously contemplates it. "Er, maybe different kinds of giant bugs?"