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Entry tags:
- ! event log,
- a discovery of witches: kit marlowe,
- detroit: become human: chloe,
- detroit: become human: connor,
- final fantasy: sephiroth,
- locked tomb: harrowhark nonagesimus,
- marvel: jennifer walters,
- marvel: loki odinson,
- marvel: thor odinson,
- my hero academia: takami keigo,
- oc: elenore evans,
- prodigal son: malcolm bright
Something in the air...
✖ 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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.
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!
II. Lotus Baths
Chloe closes her eyes as that feeling of someone gawking at you won't help the stranger's soothing bath time. The water soon works wonders, making her sink lower into its warmth.
When she does open her eyes, things are... not exactly as they were before. Chloe blinks, half-expecting the scene to shift back. Idly, she wonders if it's a system fault. The thought feels hazy, faraway. A quick diagnostic is run, revealing nothing unusual. And nothing feels wrong, not really. There's an atmosphere of tranquility.
When she looks to the other person, it's to see if they also appear to be seeing what she is. Only now they aren't alone. And Chloe can't quite make herself look away. The tenderness of the gestures, the care that's shown, the reassurances of doing things right... It's heartbreakingly lovely. It warms Chloe's artificial heart and makes it feel constricted at the same time.
It's then she has the sensation of a hand on the top of her head. Without looking, she knows it's tall man with dark hair and blue eyes. Elijah. And somehow it doesn't seem strange that he's there. He begins to stroke her hair, and Chloe smiles.
no subject
She will be disturbed, later.
She is at peace, now.
Eventually her curiosity is piqued, and the pair of them look over again to find a similar exchange going on between two others. Clearly, this kind of reunion must be the true point of the baths. Harrow even smiles gently when she manages to catch Chloe's eye for a moment; that one is familiar, she knows she's another Traveler. The man with her is just as real to Harrow as the Body is, and perhaps he's a Traveler too, despite the fact he just appeared. It makes sense to Harrow, then.
no subject
If only things could always be like this.
Elijah doesn't enter the bath. He does sit down behind her in a lotus position. Both hands glide over her hair, one after the other. It's such a gentle touch. Affectionate. Filled with the care that's reserved only for someone so very special.
If only things could have been like this.
It isn't a comforting thought by any measure. It's unwelcome. Intrusive. It begs the question of why things are like this now. Because none of this should be happening. He isn't here. She's far from home, and alone. And if he was here... This is never how things have been. As much as she longs for it, craves it, it's never to be.
It makes her look to the pair opposite her with a critical curiosity. If Chloe suspects this isn't true (no matter how badly she wants it to be) then it may also be the case that the embrace the other Traveler finds themselves in isn't true either. These islands have their tricks, after all.
But is it for her to burst the serene bubble? Under normal circumstances, the man with her would say yes. That to dwell in dreams is fanciful nonsense. Yet all he does now is continue stroking her hair.
When Chloe finally speaks, it's to try and solve her moral dilemma. Her voice is not much above a whisper, though clearly directed at Harrow. "...You're happy?"
no subject
"I am content," she says a little bit warily. "Are you not?"
Happiness is not something Harrow knows how to feel, even here.
no subject
Chloe's lips press together, like she can't force herself to voice her thoughts. Or perhaps she just doesn't want to admit them to herself. The water and the air around them are a lullaby, coaxing her to do nothing other than steep herself in the moment. There's no harm. No hurt. All she has to do is stop thinking.
Except it isn't always that easy to ignore a troublesome thought. Even when a troublesome thought can be shoved aside, it still gnaws.
"...I'm not sure if... This is exactly how things are..." Her tone is cautious, trying to be delicate about the matter, and her focus remains on Harrow.
no subject
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."
no subject
"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?
no subject
"I'm rather used to it, actually, so I think the potential upset is worse for some others." She's gentle as she says it, avoiding yourself included outright, but--the sentiment is present. But then she gets existential: "Can one truly enjoy something that is not real once the bubble pops? Is it better to continue to soak in falsehood, or abandon the bath. Well, at least we have bathed."
She looks to the Body, who nods confirmation, as if she is used to giving Harrow her silent advice--and that part's the truth.
no subject
Existential is fine with Chloe. Existential is kind of comforting. She enjoys mulling over ideas, discussing them. The question may not have been one for her to answer but she does so anyway. After closing her eyes to avoid looking at her personal falsehood as he lingers behind her.
"Maybe there's the element of whether the illusion is something that could be or something that could never be," she muses. "If it's something that could be, maybe it's not such a falsehood." Or so delusional is no doubt what Elijah would say. She can feel his smile that's closer to a smirk.
no subject
Harrow looks at the Body, then at Chloe, then nods.
"I see--her--you can see her?--I see her often. She is never, actually, real, not after the first time. Every time I hope. Every time I am disappointed." Why is she confessing to this? Who knows. The relaxation has its effect, or perhaps takes its toll.
"But could she be? Theoretically, yes."
no subject
"I think... That's quite a beautiful way to look at it. Bittersweet, perhaps, but beautiful." Does the figure with Harrow know how much she is longed for? Chloe hopes in some way she does. Or perhaps that would only be more disappointment.
"Even if the illusion is false, the feelings aren't."
no subject
A question Harrow has to deal with a lot, actually.
"I think I will be done soaking soon, and then--have to say goodbye, but am not driven to leave simply because I know she is not really here."
no subject
But none of this is communicated. When she does speak, it's with a soft, genuine smile. "I'm glad you've been able to find some comfort here."
So much so that she eases herself out of the bath and into a towel, to give Harrow and the Body more privacy.
no subject
Harrow is surprised; it's a surprise that is impossible to mask, so she's not even trying.
"Thank you. I—hope you can do the same, don't feel like you have to go."
no subject
Whatever the reason, Chloe sits at the edge of the bath and lets her legs dangle into the water. "It seems a special moment for you. I didn't want to interrupt it further," she explains. Then, after a beat, she adds, "I'm Chloe, by the way."