polylogs | Something in the air...

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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.

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.

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(He watches as she deliberately doesn't make eye contact with him and he wishes he could say something to help ease the feeling of discomfort she must have, he knows it all too well.)

I've never met any personally but the teachers at the mutant school I went to when I was little had a bunch of stories about meeting people who were non-human. The guy who founded the school had a romance with an alien lady and I heard stories about a former student being best friends with a techno-organic race.

( A mutant school? Usually it's something Chloe would try to find out more about. Possibly at another time. Right now, her mind is focused on the very personal issue at hand. The more she says, the more obvious clues she gives. Redundant as they no doubt are, it's easier than just saying it. )

...What about synthetic beings? Have you ever heard any stories about anyone meeting someone like that?

Do you mean like robots?

( Chloe cleans a small pot like it's a task that requires absolute focus and concentration so she still can't possibly look in his direction. )

Yes. Like robots. Or anything similar.

( Yes. That sounds oh so casual. )

Uh well I've never met a synthetic being, or robot type AI creature before. But I'm sure they exist, I mean I just listed aliens and techno-organic beings so why would that be any different or harder to believe.

(He reaches out his hand and puts it tentatively on her shoulder, his eyes kind and concerned.)

Chloe, are you an android?

( That pot sure does seem to be taking a lot of effort to clean. Her eyes don't leave it but she gives a small nod. His own powers, along with the various beings he's listed, do offer a bit of comfort. Still, she can't quite shake the feeling of being something so other. )

Yes. I'm an android.

( Finally looking at him, she sweeps the strategically placed hair away from her temple to reveal her LED; a circle of light that currently spins a bright yellow. Nerves. The colour and speed indicate nervousness.

Her gaze drops. )

...I'm sorry I haven't been honest with you.

(He looks at the small LED light on her temple curiously but then dismisses it and moves his gaze back to her eyes, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.)

That's okay, I understand why you didn't. It's a scary thing to admit because I'm sure you've had people in the past respond...uh not favorably to it.

( Either he's being incredibly nice and generous or he doesn't care that much. Whichever it is, she still looks at him oddly for a moment. He's right - this isn't the reaction she expected. Despite his own mutant status and all the different beings he's aware of, he could have been freaked out. And not freaking out doesn't necessarily mean he'll want them to keep being friendly. )

Where I'm from, a lot of people don't like androids. And they're already familiar with them. When you were talking about how people have treated mutants... I understood.

( Worried as she is, it does feel like a weight has been lifted. She's lied about so much for so long that it's a strange relief to be found out. She looks down again, more embarrassed than anything. It makes a blue hue creep into her cheeks. )

And I... Being here... I got to be just Chloe.

( No one special. No one who means or symbolises anything. Just a girl. A person. Even if it's pretend. )

(Part of the reason he isn't freaking out is because of the situation they are in, if he had met her back home he might not be as calm. At the moment he feels a calm sympathy for her as well as bright curiosity.)

Thank you for telling me, I really appreciate it.

(He gives her a small smile.) Now that I know this I'm kind of surprised at how easy you were to lift, I would imagine androids would be heavier.

Thank you for being so understanding about it. It's... It's okay if it's weird. I mean, I know that it's weird. You're the first person I've told.

( It's not like she could have kept it a secret forever. She knows that. But as he said, it's scary. Ironically, it would be so much easier if she was just a machine. But she isn't.

She manages a small smile in return. )

Oh, I'm just plastic so...

( She trails off, ending with a tiny shrug. )

...If you have any questions, it's okay to ask.

I won't tell anyone else if you'd rather reveal it to people at your own pace.

(He's happy to see her smile, even if it's just slightly. He smiles and mock sighs, lifting a hand to his forehead.)

Oh so that's why, and here I thought I was strong. Ooooh my male ego has been crushed!

(He's being silly but he hopes it helps make her feel less awkward.)

I have lots of questions but I don't want to bombard you with them, so I will save them for another time.

( Chloe’s touched by his consideration. And the fact he doesn’t seem to regard her viewpoint as being irrelevant. )

Thank you, Carter. It means a lot to me.

( His dramatic display makes her smile that little bit more. It strikes her as almost strange that he’s the one making the effort with her. She’s the one who should be making sure he feels comfortable in her presence. )

Just tell your male ego to think of when we perfect the lift and how everyone will ooh and aah over you. That might perk the poor ego up.

( She waits for a moment, as though questions will be inevitable anyway, and then nods. )

Okay. If you’re sure. But… If you’re concerned about anything, you’ll let me know?

(He laughs when she mentions the lift they've started practicing and pretends to wipe sweat from his brow.)

Phew! Thank goodness for oohs and aahs, or else my ego might not survive...

(He drops the silly façade and reaches out to give her hand a comforting squeeze.)

I'll let you know if something concerning comes up, but don't worry so much okay? You're my friend and most of my questions are just dorky sci-fi nerd questions.

Don't forget all the applause you'll get. Your ego will soar soon enough.

( After a second of hesitation, she gives his hand a squeeze in return and then lets it go. The look on her face is almost pathetically grateful, if a tad uncertain. They're friends. That's what he's said. And for now, she chooses to take it at face value. It's the easy, comforting way out. )

I don't mind dorky sci-fi nerd questions. We're friends.

You say that now but when I start asking you questions and making Star Trek references you might think differently.

(He motions towards the food she is preparing.) Is there anyone else you want to give your delicious treats to on the island? I can also help be your delivery boy if you want to stay here and keep cooking.

Not at all. You know now so... You don't have to walk on eggshells.

( She gives him a reassuring smile. It's much easier to worry about his potential discomfort than her own. In a bid to show all is well and good, she tries to shift the focus. )

Are you interested in space or is it more shows set in space? And as for being a delivery boy... If you want to take some for anyone, please feel free. Help yourself to as much as you like to share. And for yourself, of course.

I guess I'm more interested in space horror, like sci-fi horror movies like Color Out of Space or Aliens. Have you seen either of those?

And I'll happily share with other people, I was more curious if you wanted me to deliver them to any of the other Travelers you know and consider friends. There seems to be more of us now eh?

Oh, no. I'm not very good with horror, if I'm honest. I suppose I'm a bit of a weed when it comes to things like that.

You're always so kind, Carter. You don't have to run my errands, though. And yes, there does. That's part of why I thought I'd do this - something to welcome the new faces if they're feeling out of sorts. And for the less new faces, of course. Have you been making new friends?

That's okay, most people aren't great with horror. I just love it because I used to watch all these weird old horror and sci-fi movies with my mom growing up.

You're also very kind Chloe. I met one new guy named David, he's also a mutant although he's got a much better grip on his powers than I do so talking with him kind of makes me feel a bit...like a slacker I guess?

Those sound like wonderful memories. Did you have a big bowl of popcorn too?

( She figures that if talking about his mom is painful for him, he'll shut it down.

Now it's her turn to give his hand a brief reassuring squeeze. )

You're not a slacker. It would seem like something someone might need to do at their own pace?

Oh of course! You can't watch Hammer Horror films without popcorn.

(He gives her a grateful little smile when she gives his hand a squeeze.)

Thanks, and you're right. This guy also has like, superhero training which I never wanted to do so it makes sense he's better at it than I am.

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?

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.

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?

(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.

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