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

dothelokimotion: (The sky once loved a certain rock.)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-13 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ loki rolls his eyes. ]

He's great because he likes you. I never had that luxury, remember?
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . This Pleases Me)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
Machetes it is then. I will be sure to go and get myself one and will contact you through this magical device. [He taps his wrist. He glances up as they reach the springs.] I'm very much looking forward to it, Sephiroth!
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Sass . I Don't Believe You)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
You froze him into a human icicle.
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-13 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
[...as jovial as he is, Thor is definitely winning some points for not attempting to nickname him. He nods in agreement.]

As am I. It should be interesting.

[But for now? It's hair-washing time, and he's going to head on into those springs.]
dothelokimotion: (Words are vibrations)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-13 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
And he deserved it.

[ and loki could argue heimdall never liked him from the start but what would be the point of that? especially when everyone is dead. it is sad, but loki won't cry for him or the warriors three. he didn't want them to suffer but he owes them nothing. ]
queenking: ([up] oh hey there)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
Right, right, gods and stuff. [She waves a vague hand, apparently intended to encompass the entire Norse pantheon.] Can you do mine? I can pay you in, uhhh...mantis mandibles or dead stuff. [That's all she has to bargain with, at the moment.]
queenking: ([down] listen here btch)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
Part of Saxsice wants to keep her eyes shut, not wanting to see any more memories -- not out of any sense of privacy for him, purely for her own benefit -- but the grassy schoolyard blends into an open field, surrounded by trees, with the sun beating down and Saxsice herself (much younger, barely a teenager), covering her face and screaming into her hands.

The loud clap startles her out of her staring, and she snatches one of the towels from where she'd knocked it onto the ground, thrusting it out towards him, her hands jumping and shuddering. The vision shifts, and it's her slamming her fist against a closed bathroom door and swearing, her eyes red, her hair a tangled mess, pregnancy test on the counter behind her.

"Here!" she snaps, hoarsely, wanting to end this particular memory as soon as possible.
queenking: ([up] double eyebrow arch)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, that's cool. That your, uhhhh, alma mater? [Assuming "Asgard" is some super elite private college, apparently.

Saxsice shifts around, stifling a smile at his awkwardness. That's sweet.
] Saxsice, daughter of nobody important. Nice to meetcha. That's a real long last name.
queenking: ([woof] arrg rawrg)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
Next let's discuss how Mary Sue's are actually feminist, something something eyeliner sharp enough to kill a man something. It'll be the BEST, narration bestie!

Saxsice looks down at her gooey paws for a moment, then flexes her claws, just to show them off. Actually, wolf claws tend to be very blunt from walking over rough terrain, since they can't retract them like cats can. This info brought to you by the prerequisite middle-school-era wolf obsession phase. For Saxsice's part, her constant changing back and forth means her claws are a decent length and sharpness, but sometimes just blunt force is better.

Still, the mantises (mantids? Mantii?) keep on coming, and she eventually has to resort to biting off heads again, powering through the nasty taste. Sorry if any of them is your babydaddy, DP, pour one out.
queenking: ([neutral] ew no why)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh yeah, big old kitty cat, right here," Saxsice says gravely, gesturing at herself by way of explanation. She's on the tall side, and her hair is in what used to be a braid, but is now just a big humidity-altered snarly mess. "Just thinkin' about all the ways I can be a big ol' ray of sunshine and light to my fellow abductees."

She'll follow suit, sitting nearish -- but not too close, natural wariness kicking in -- and stretching her long legs out. "Peace and luck? Don't believe in either of those. But it looks nice. Where'd you learn it?"
dothelokimotion: (The more productive cousin of fear)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-13 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
Paying me in that sounds more of a punishment than a reward.

[ but loki gestures to her to sit down. ]

But I'd be happy to do a few braids.
queenking: ([neutral] frogmouth style)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
One of your men? [She blinks at him blankly for a moment.] You got more than one boyfriend?

[No. No, he means military. Please shove her into the water, Sephiroth, she deserves it.]
queenking: ([neutral] i mean u said it not me)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
Karmic summer camp retribution. [Saxsice nods gravely, hands on her hips.] If you aren't a magical creature or a literal superhero, you're automatically a former disaffected camp counselor. Bet it says that in the rules.

I never went to camp. Was it any fun?
queenking: ([woof] gazing adoringly)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
Oh wait, there's a whole bin? Saxsice had been distracted by the spirit of fellowship and sharing of food, but now that they're besties, she can go right to being an absolute meat-hog. She creeps over, still on her stomach, and starts snuffling at the bin, sticking her long nose in and even reaching one paw up to tip it over.

No, go ahead, carry on with your salty soup, she's good here.
queenking: ([up] oh hey there)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-13 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
Well, on the plus side, I'm not gonna try to kill ya. [She offers a half-smile, trying to seem very unassuming and harmless. She isn't, but she also doesn't like to go around menacing people.] That's a win, innit?

Thanks. No, I made it up. Ran away from home and wanted a new name, so I just mixed up the letters of my old one. [Because that's a normal thing people do?]
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Sass . Didja Really Tho?)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
No, no. It's not a food dish. Asgard is where I come from. [Thor has no idea what an "alma mater" is, but it sounds delicious.] Earth is called Midgard, and Asgard is where gods live: my Father, Odin; Loki, my brother; and Frigga, my Mother. And me, of course. Though I already said that. I suppose many have forgotten us since the days of your Vikings. They were a rowdy bunch.

[He smiles, nodding his head in respect.] It is nice to meet you, Saxsice. Yes, that is how we show our lineage. Son of Odin can become Odinson. In your case, you would be "So-and-so's" daughter, or "So-and-so"dottir. .. Of course, the "So-and-so" would be replaced with whomever your father is.

And I know, I know; why the fathers and not the mothers, right? I'm afraid I can't answer that question, but I think it'd be neat to see the switch. Equality and all.
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Sass . Um)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Thor shares an Older Brother Look of Disapproval.] I hope you haven't repeated your past behaviors on Earth.

Do you settle with us, too? Or do you travel elsewhere?
assemble_the_lovbacken: (Default)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 05:10 am (UTC)(link)
OOC: Good to call it here, I think! :) I would love to have a thread between them eventually where they spar, if you're up to it!
dothelokimotion: (The curtain is raised a few inches)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-13 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, Thor, that's what I'm dying to do. Take over a polluted planet with my non-existent army. Fun.

[ and people accuse him of living in the past. loki tries for another sip but the drink is well and truly finished. ]

And how many questions are you going to ask me? Isn't it better to experience it yourself?
grayshulk: (pic#12958691)

[personal profile] grayshulk 2021-07-13 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
She shrugs. It's pretty hard to disagree with right now, and the wounds are real.

"Can't say I'm trying to hard." She folds some of the clothing she disrupted. "Having some breathing room so the worst isn't all at the surface all the time seems like a lot."
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Gentle Smirk)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-13 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
Can you blame me for wishing to take advantage of your insight? I'm surprised you don't like it more—being in the know, having information I don't.
speed_of_snark: (uh huuuuh)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-13 06:33 am (UTC)(link)
He watches her, his face its usual slightly-grumpy mask. Then he sighs.

"You're not wrong," he concedes. "If it's all on the surface you just get stuck in it. There's something to be said for mild disassociation."
dothelokimotion: (Comfort was the answer to all)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-13 07:42 am (UTC)(link)
It's not my insight you want, but my recollection.

[ they're very different things. thor isn't asking how loki felt. he just wants to know more. loki can't blame him. if he was in thor's position, he'd ask more. ]

And I do, which is why I'm not spilling it all in one night.
unkindled_madness: (genuine laugh)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-13 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sephiroth pauses, and then he actually starts laughing. Not only has he never bothered with boyfriends, but he thinks the mistaken assumption would have embarrassed even Zack, flirt that he is. To be one of his boyfriends... Well, he has enough admirers back home, doesn't he?

He settles the robe over his shoulders.]


No. I am his commanding officer. We're military.
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-13 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
((Yeah, sounds good to me on both counts! Though I may add you on Discord if that's cool? Fight threads are easier with the OOC plotting.))