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

neverwither: (You can tell me all your sins)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-07-14 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I bet it was lovely. I can imagine a little Carter all full of popcorn and snuggled up. If we ever have the means to, I'd be glad to watch one of them with you.

( Even if it isn't the same as the memories he's describing. And that she might watch the movie through her fingers. )

There's always time to learn things, should you choose to. But I think that's the important part - it being your choice. What sort of thing does the training entail?
speed_of_snark: (look up)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-14 05:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Peace is hard to come by, and even if Jean-Paul is discontent with being uprooted from his life, he can't help but enjoy that.

Jean-Paul smirks but for a wonder adds no other sarcastic remarks. "I guess. And I'm... pissed, really. Between you and me, Logan? I feel like it's my fault for finally letting my guard down again. After the whole... alternate reality fuck-police debacle, I was a touch paranoid."

As usual, he glosses over his feelings pretty quickly.

"But Krakoa was good, you know? Things were about as stable as they've ever been, for me. And now I'm here. Thank god your kid is with my sister, at least I know someone will look out for her."
speed_of_snark: (qu'est-ce que c'est?)

[personal profile] speed_of_snark 2021-07-14 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Jean-Paul's eyebrows take up residence high up on his forehead.

"...you're being serious. Hn. Well. I guess that's why your cute little bracelet isn't sitting at green, which would be more appropriate."
extrasensory_problems: (lean)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-14 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
That would be fun, yeah if we ever land on an island with a movie theatre I'll try and show you all the classic horror films.

(His smile fades a bit and he nods slowly.)

I'm glad you agree with it being my choice, not everyone thinks like that. There's this weird thing where I'm from that it's like...almost expected that you become a superhero if you're a mutant which is stupid because not everyone wants to live like that.
Besides, it's been my experience that superheroes can do more damage than good.
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Playful)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-14 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Perhaps they'll be more generous in what they give us next time, too. [Thor stands, extending a hand out to Loki.]
neverwither: (Time to tread carefully)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-07-14 06:46 pm (UTC)(link)
That would be wonderful. Hopefully I'll be able to make you popcorn too.

( Her own demeanour grows more gentle as she listens. )

If it isn't too out of turn, as an outsider I'd like to say that people are so... special. You all have so many gifts, so many talents... I've never really understood the pigeonholing of so much potential. So... I'd say your dreams should be your own. Being a mutant isn't everything that you are.

( She ends that with a soft smile and a little nod. )

Do you mean because those superheroes didn't use their powers for good or because they thought having power made their actions right?
necrosaint: (097)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh.

Oh, this again.

Harrow droops, very slightly. She chews at the edge of her lip, which she doesn't really do where people can see; she lets a fingertip touch the bone choker around her neck.

"Oh," she says aloud this time. She's disappointed, but resigned: "It isn't real, is it."
necrosaint: (028)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is at least a question Harrow can answer logically and easily! Unlike so many questions posed of her. ]

Right now all I have is black, white and grey. It does not--go. I am hoping that if I paint my face to better fit in I will get something to wear that is not pink.
extrasensory_problems: (Default)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-14 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
(He appreciates her gentleness as well as her outsider perspective, it's been hard for him to admit to people that he's a mutant but hearing that it doesn't define him and that he isn't wrong for not wanting to pigeonhole himself is refreshing and soothes him.)

Thank you for saying that, it means a lot to me. I just always thought that I would do more good for people by being a nurse rather than running around in spandex fighting other people with powers.

Superheroes seem to be very near sighted in my experience, they will battle and save cities but ignore the after care and consequences to their actions.
necrosaint: (028)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Harrow does not move; she considers his response like she is a statue, or a creature from a hallucination capable of horrible stillness. Except she's still a person with a heartbeat, just a person capable of stillness just as horrible.

"I am not able to say that I have not been," and then she loses track of how she's going to say it, because this isn't something she talks about, but he seems to inspire an easiness in this particular confession, "I mean to say. I have had hallucinations as vivid. Maybe. But they are not so long or complex, and I do know that I am not on drugs, nor have I ever been." She doesn't realize that normal people who aren't on drugs don't get hallucinations; she doesn't know what she's confessed to. "The place beyond the River--an afterlife--seems the parsimonious conclusion."
necrosaint: (020)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Everyone needs ... food and swordplay, apparently."

Actually, that sentence could define Gideon, and is practically the opposite of Harrow. It's a gift of her Lyctorhood that technically she doesn't even have to eat, but she keeps not using said gift.
necrosaint: (022)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"You can be a hero," Harrow says firmly, having to take twice as many steps to keep up with Gideon's pace but refusing to ask her own cavalier to slow down. That's so gauche. They've ended up next to each other; they're doing this terribly, but this sort of situation is technically a cavalier's show, and Harrow is privately wondering if ... well.

She bites the bullet and just says it. Or the preamble. Maybe Gideon will know what she means.

"It is all right if you want to be. It isn't common decency, actually, not entirely, because not everyone would do this. It is mildly heroic. A little," she holds her hand up and her fingers a tiny little bit apart, "heroic. And I will practice something and see if I can help you do so."
neverwither: (Not the happiest camper)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-07-14 08:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"...I don't think it's happening, no," Chloe answers quietly. She avoids saying whether it's real or not as while the scene itself may not actually exist, there could very well be elements of it that are very real. Dismissing any of Harrow's feelings like that at this point would seem like adding insult to injury.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean... Perhaps we should get out?" Offering to just leave herself crosses her mind but would it make much difference now the illusion has been spoiled?
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-14 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Food and some means of defense, perhaps. Most don't have much talent for swordplay."

He may judge a little harshly on that. Maybe it would be better to say most don't have the training.
necrosaint: (061)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-14 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Harrow considers this, and then ... does not even ask Gideon to stand down.

"My interest in stitching you back together is limited," she says, rather than anything that would put a stop to outright brawling. "I should tell you to limit to the touch or something sensible, but I would hate to ruin anyone's fun."

She absolutely would not, even a little bit, hate to ruin Gideon's fun, and Gideon knows that, but Sephiroth has never deserved such a fate from her.
neverwither: (100% interest 100% of the time)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-07-14 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I think you could do a lot of good, Carter. And it's important to consider what's good for you too. What would make you feel fulfilled. You have a very caring nature and that in itself is a power that can be harnessed. No spandex required.

( She gives him a small smile, not wanting to seem like she's making light of what he's sharing. It isn't always easy, and it's good to see he feels able to talk about himself in that way. )

Yes, I can imagine that. I think that's why someone like you could be so valuable - you see the human element in it.
unkindled_madness: (talking)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-07-14 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Sephiroth, however, does stand down once Gideon sheaths her machete. He could take the opportunity to assess her skill at hand-to-hand combat... but it just isn't as much fun.

"There's no need," he says, sheathing his own blade. "I believe we're finished for the moment."
necrosavior: (clothes; formal purple)

[personal profile] necrosavior 2021-07-15 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
Gideon gives him a shallow little bow. Mild sarcasm because this is the most fun she's had in a while. Everything's better with a sword in her hand (or something a toddler might mistake for a sword). "I want to do this again with actual swords if we can get them," she says.

With a turn toward Harrow, Gideon motions to her perfectly whole body. "No sewing required." She's not sure if somehow Harrow spoiled the session, but Gideon can't break her machete for a piece of fun when it might be needed. "So, you two... friends? You make friends with cavaliers now?"
necrosavior: (Default)

[personal profile] necrosavior 2021-07-15 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
She's not sure how to handle what Harrow's saying. Gideon has done maybe one heroic act in her life. A lot more has been done out of spite or competitive spirit or fun or being asked. This is... not selfish exactly. Not selfless fully either. Gideon has had Isaac and Jeanne-Mary on her mind, and surely this could be someone else's Isaac or Jeanne-Mary or Magnus or Abigail or too many others. "Only that much," Gideon motions toward Harrow's hand. "If whatever we're facing has swords, maybe not even." Because then she's fighting swords. Then she may be able to get a sword.

It's a kid. A teenager but still a kid. Gideon's nearly out of those years. "We'll find them, ma'am," Gideon tries to sound reassuring. She doesn't promise to bring them home alive. Sobbing locals aren't a good sign.

Naturally, there is not a Gideon-usable sword in sight when they find something. Keeping to the shadows, Gideon observes for a moment. Her instincts scream to run in machete raised. The odds aren't what stops her. It's not what she expected. She shakes her wrists and eyes her thumbs. "Weird but not nearly the creepiest thing in the last month," Gideon whispers. She looks sideways at Harrow. "Insects talking in human language is weird right? Harbingers never said a word. Are they possessed? They sure don't look friendly to that kid." She's never known anything that targets people except revenants and other people. "Ready?"
dothelokimotion: (The concept of transitioning)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-15 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, so we should work our magic and cajole the locals into giving us more alcohol? How devious, brother.

[ after a beat, he reaches out to clasp thor's hand. ]
necrosaint: (006)

[personal profile] necrosaint 2021-07-15 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
Harrow is actually good at sobbing locals, and broke her silently-standing-next-to-the-cav routine to offer up some motions of comfort. She doesn't really know how to say things that aren't last rites very well, but she did manage, between Gideon's dedication and her hollow murmurings made of comforting words.

It's probably a little odd, since Gideon has never been the cavalier for those types of work. Ortus was often at Harrow's side for these things (and not often enough, if one were to ask some people; not Harrow, who had never expected any help).

"Great," she mutters when she sees what they're up against, letting out a huff of a sigh, trying to keep it quiet. "More gigantic insects. But—but they're talking." Harrow has realized she has a problem with Gideon heroics after all. "We need to find out if they're actually speaking or just mimicking ... I hadn't expected this to be so morally complex."

Religion bites sometimes.
prodigalmess: (not my blood)

[personal profile] prodigalmess 2021-07-15 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Malcolm exhales slowly through his nose as he leans back against a counter.

"Would we all have to achieve personal growth in order for one of us to leave though?" he asks. "Or if a person manages to achieve their growth, can they at least be allowed to go home?"

He realizes that she doesn't have definitive answers to this questions and that it's just speculation. If his being able to go home is incumbent on everyone else making personal growth, then he's probably going to be here forever. Hell, he's not even sure if he can make his own personal growth.
necrosavior: (Default)

[personal profile] necrosavior 2021-07-15 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
"We have until they get their whatever insects have on him," Gideon says. "I'm not letting them chomp his head or something else off. I don't think that will grow back." Not everyone is okay with Harrow-made bone replacements. Gideon also thinks most people would rather not lose something than get a replacement. At least for body parts.

She looks over at Harrow. "I can go make a bad pun," Gideon offers. "Or you could say whatever. Either way, if we talk to them, options are:
  1. They attack us, and it's fight time.
  2. They talk with us, and it's still fight time.
  3. They talk with us, and we get the kid.
  4. They do nothing or leave, and we get the kid."

In Gideon's opinion these will all end with "and we get the kid." The question is more how much it sucks for the insects. Which, to some extent, is up to them.
dothelokimotion: (Minutes before librarians ate him)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-07-15 01:50 am (UTC)(link)
Somewhat. Midgard is our name for Earth.

[ as for influence, that is what the scrywatches are meant to delineate. he's done a few good deeds since arriving here, but loki doubts redemption. better to keep moving forward than to worry about his immortal soul. ]
queenking: ([up] on the sidelines)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-15 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
Suit yourself, I s'pose. [She plops down, cross-legged, in front of him. Her hair is...truly disastrous, full of flower petals and pollen and grass.] I'll find a way to pay you back. What's your heart's desire?