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: (Words are vibrations)

lmk if this works!

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-08-23 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ well. that's new. not really foreboding though he is curious as to how the bone was embedded into her body. or perhaps it is natural.

but she asked so loki shrugs and telekinetically lifts her above the ground, leaving her floundering. ]


Will that do?
Edited 2021-08-24 07:38 (UTC)
honeybadgered: (malagraphic-vd3ctvM)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-23 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
Gabby shrugs. "Ugh, fiiiiiine. Going in with proper preparation and a plan it is." She doesn't actually mind, especially since he isn't trying to tell her to stay safe at home. "But I still think it'd be sick if I got eaten and cut my way out of the thing's stomach."

Snikt. Out comes a bone claw from her fist. She mimes slicing with it.
honeybadgered: (malagraphic-3ciTsRh)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-23 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah," Gabby sighs, looking down at the bloodstained shirt. "Which also sucks. I liked this shirt. It had so many colors!"
queenking: (Default)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-08-24 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
"That's why I'm a dog person. Less chance of maulin'." That's her werewolf-y idea of a joke.

Saxsice snorts at this, plopping down on the end of the cot. "Sounds smart. And sticky. Both'a those at once."
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Lewk . Allsight)

sorry, rp brain just turned off for a bit!

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-24 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. [Thor shakes out his hands and assumes a fighting position.] I am ready to go now.

OOC: I'm curious about your thoughts of how this will go since they both have OP powers!
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Sass . I Don't Believe You)

sorry, rp brain just turned off for a bit!

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-24 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
He is not the same person as he was when we were young and such harmless pranks could be considered good fun. But perhaps we can get there again. I suppose this is a second chance, of sorts.

[Thor shakes his head.] You may not consider yourself kind, but know that I do. I've appreciated your company.
nightschool: (🖋️ 108)

III | fuck da police i owe a tag and i'm hopping in my time machine to make it so

[personal profile] nightschool 2021-08-24 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Upon settling in London, he'd given his blood--and the secrets it contained--to Hubbard exactly one time to grant him entry, and one time only. He doesn't, in practice, care for sharing more of himself than he receives, with a single outstanding exception in his life. Call it a hazard of intelligencer work; call it self-preservation; call it self-interest. The point stands: he plays shell games with aspects of himself as much as anyone.

Given such, the bathing pools should be the last place he goes to soothe his wounds--more figurative now than not, having had time to heal from that which he'd woken up on the boat with. But regardless of the magic in the air, there's something sensual about the natural formations on this island. Something primal and pleasing. A feast for the senses, from the view, to the perfume of wild flowers and sun-warmed soil.

And since they seem to be barred from the High Temple's amenities, what better convenience to take advantage of?

So it is one fine day during this string of fine days, Kit unhurriedly makes the trek to the pools with a hand-embroidered towel and a lump of soap in hand, gifts from the natives. He doesn't slow, exactly, to see he's not the only one from a city that frowns upon it bringing communal bathing back into vogue, but nor does he speed his steps.

Benedict had pointed the way down a very dark hole on Carcosa, but one he would've stepped into eventually. If it hadn't been him, it would've been someone else, somewhere else. In his position, one must grow accustomed to sore discoveries. He keeps the twinge of discomfort inspired by their last discussion on his time period out of his voice as he offers:]


Finding the relaxation spot as relaxing as they say?
what_fourth_wall: (someones gonna die)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-08-24 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not the SNACK BREAD!!! That is criminal. Thou shalt not fuck with the snacks. It is a COMMANDMENT."

He makes to draw a gun and shoot one of the Temple guardians that should have been watching. Unfortunately, his hand and trigger finger are empty. Or perhaps that is quite fortunate. Instead of causing instant chaos, he just gets a few weird looks.

"Oh yeah. No guns. Probably good. I have poor impulse control. Meh." He tosses the invisible gun away.

His eyes cut back to Saxsice. "All eight?!? You have a deal and a second date, Sexy." He puts his hands on his hips and looks around. It seems this thread may be drawing to a close, which makes him sad. He likes her. She knows the value of snack bread, which is different from regular bread because it's a snack. But alas, time to start walking away and say something that'll make for a good stinger, like in the movie credits.

"You're pretty awesome, Sexy. I want to hang out more. Let's do that." He starts to walk away, then pauses and glances over his shoulder. "Northern Idaho, you say? If I find a way to send a message out from these islands, I'll make sure some friends of mine keep it safe. You know, for when you get back."
kneecaptain: (70)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-24 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Sick is a word for it." He's pretty sure, the way she says it, that it means something other than what he thinks it should. Probably the exact opposite. So his words might have a bit of a tone, but Bucky doesn't ask about it because he doesn't need to be reminded that he's old.

And besides, the thing she does with the claw is a lot more interesting. His eyebrows go up, in recognition.

"How did you do that?"
queenking: ([up] double eyebrow arch)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-08-25 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
It seems this strange battle-filled kinda-date is at it's end. Saxsice plops down cross-legged on the cot, covering her heart with one hand and nodding solemnly. "You have my word, DP. Gimme boots and I'll give you boobs."

This last comment actually gets her to sit up a little straighter, blinking a couple times before giving him a softer, more genuine smile. "That'd be real nice of ya."
kneecaptain: (59)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-25 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
Then let's go. [ He steps back a bit, waits to see if this guy will throw the first punch. ]

[ OOC: Bucky is a normal guy with a cool robot arm and OTT fighting skills, so Thor can probably paste him :') ]
honeybadgered: (malagraphic-9Dp5BIe)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-25 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Telekinesis is cheating. Gabby scowls and struggles against it.]

Ugh, so this means you could even throw me at the monster really effectively and you're still refusing!!

[She retracts her claws and swings her backpack in front of her. Is his telekinesis good enough to deal with a hail of random items coming at his head? Time to find out.

She starts grabbing stuff out of her bag including:

- a balled up sock
- half a tuna sandwich
- a machete
- a machete sheath that was on the machete until a moment ago
- a pen
- a sock that matches the other one perfectly except for all the blood stains
- a really cool looking rock! She wants it back!
- a can of what you should really hope is soup but it's definitely been in there too long and the smell is worse than the socks and tuna combined
- what looks like a throwing star but carved out of wood
- a stuffed badger toy
- a book

Her aim is exceptionally good, even while being lifted into the air by nothing. Hope you're good at splitting your focus, Loki.]
honeybadgered: (Default)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-25 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
That gets an actual cackle out of Gabby. "You always know what to say. Probably because you say a lot of things, so like, odds are good something will hit."

It's more than that, of course. Wade's mind is weird and off the (fourth) wall and it might be differently weird than hers, but he's gross and funny and doesn't coddle her like an innocent little kid. It might be nice if she were as innocent as she appears, but once you've killed your first ten or so people, you can't really go back to being innocent no matter how many stickers you put on your armor. It's refreshing not to have to pretend for the sake of his comfort.

"Wanna ducktape your katanas to your arms? That'd be kind of like having claws." She tilts her head. "And maybe stabbings later?"
honeybadgered: (malagraphic-V6nzQiw)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-25 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't mind being stabbed." She doesn't like getting holes in her clothes, but some things are worth it for family bonding. AKA stabbing. It's not like she even feels pain.

"Not long. Wait, do you mean on this island or like, in this universe?" She tilts her head, then shrugs. "Actually, the answer's the same either way. I think I came in on, like, the roadside attraction of islands."
honeybadgered: (malagraphic-ToGNehQ)

[personal profile] honeybadgered 2021-08-25 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Uh, yeah. Because I've been on the internet ever? Anyway, you're not exactly ancient either."

Admittedly, Gabby is even younger than she looks because, well, clone. But still. She knows her pop culture phenomena!
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Lewk . Raiden)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-26 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
OOC: LMAO okay ... welp!

[Thor cracks his neck and launches the first punch, using about 75% of his strength. Though the man is formidable, he's also a mortal; Thor doesn't want to kill him. It makes contact with the man's jaw, a slight reverberation of the impact travelling up Thor's arm.]
Edited 2021-08-26 04:57 (UTC)
dothelokimotion: (And your children's children)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-08-26 09:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ some of these items bonk him on the head. dodging the tuna sandwich was a matter of principle. a badger passes through an illusion. ]

Well, yes. What do you hope to accomplish?
what_fourth_wall: (Baking)

[personal profile] what_fourth_wall 2021-08-26 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"SHHHHHHHH!!!!" Deadpool flails a little. "Not so loud! Don't give away my secret shotgun strategy!!! Not to be confused with my Secret Shotgun Strategy, which involves an actual shotgun and some really clever positioning between my legs. It's always a blast at parties."

Wade sure does love kids, but he also has exactly zero filter. He wouldn't be capable of coddling Gabby even if he wanted to, and he really doesn't want to because she has fun with him and other people much older than her want more of a filter. On his end, it's refreshing to be around someone who doesn't want that filter.

"ooooooooohhh. That'd be fun. I think I've done it before, when I had stumps, just so I could keep stabbing while I regenerated. The one downside is no retracting them. Your chopsticks will always be way cooler. So will Logan's forks. And Laura's meat forks. I still don't get Daken's thing though. His claws make the little o-face emoji I guess? It seems really awkward, tbh. I'd never try to cook or eat with them."

Look, he'd used this metaphor in another thread with Northstar, but it would be criminal not to use it with Gabby too. CRIMINAL.
kneecaptain: (228)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-27 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ Look: if there's one thing Bucky knows, it's how to take a punch. He's been getting into fights with superhumans since he was a teenager. So he rocks back, taking some of the impact of the blow away, but not enough that it doesn't hurt. This guy is seriously strong. ]

Okay.

[ He takes another step back, exhaling. But then he pushes his weight forward, swinging with his left arm. ]
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Utter Delight!)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-27 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Thor, out of curiosity, leans into the punch, allowing the arm to make contact. It is a far stronger blow than he expected, and he lets out a boisterous laugh of delight.] Yes! Yes, this is exactly what I was hoping for!

[There's the crackle of lightning nearby, static electricity radiating off of Thor's fingers. He shakes them out to disperse the energy. He said he'd do a clean grapple, and he intends to stick to his word.] Again! Swing at me with that arm again.
kneecaptain: (pic#14870909)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-27 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
I dunno if that's such a good idea.

[ He can't really feel with his left arm, anymore, so he doesn't notice a tingle running up his skin. But he can hear it in the air. And he isn't sure that his metal arm plays nice with electric powers.

He fakes a right, before going in again. ]


But I don't have many of those.
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Lewk . The God of Thunder)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-27 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
I'm afraid it's a bit of an instinctual reaction. I am doing my best to control it so that it doesn't cause you any damage.

[Thor takes the second punch before reaching up to grab the man's arm. He whirls around and flings him to the ground, mindful to keep his electrical abilities at bay.]
kneecaptain: (100)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-27 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. I appreciate it.

[ There's a rising note in his voice, some of it humor and some of it pain from the earlier blow.

The next punch he tries is lower— this guy is strong, but is he also fast? ]
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . This Pleases Me)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-08-28 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[Thor thrusts himself into the air with a powerful leap, higher than most mortals would be able to reach. He lands a foot away with a resonating thud. He gestures towards the man with a good-humored point.]

You are very good at this. A formidable opponent.
kneecaptain: (98)

[personal profile] kneecaptain 2021-08-28 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ Okay, so he's fast too. ]

Who are you?

[ Maybe in another circumstance Bucky would take the compliment. Or at least acknowledge it. ]