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

queenking: ([neutral] i mean u said it not me)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-16 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
That's why I'm so good at it. Ain't nobody suspects me.

[She raises and lowers a shoulder, absently wringing out clumps of her hair.] My mom'd told me who she wanted me to get with and start makin' babies with, so I kinda had to do somethin'. Runnin' away was just the easiest option.
extrasensory_problems: (up_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-17 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh man, is there a way to appease bog monsters? Do you need like a sacrifice or something so you don't drown me?

[Carter's brows crease into a disproving frown.] Oh shit, that's....really shitty. Sorry that your mom was like that, that's not fair at all. I can see why you ran away.
queenking: ([neutral] i mean u said it not me)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-18 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
Sure do. Gimme a filet mignon [Yes, she pronounces this phonetically.] and we'll call it a draw.

[Saxsice raises and lowers a shoulder.] I see why you wanted to. Must suck to...not have your folks around. [There's a definite guilty look on her face.]
extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-18 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
[He breaks out into laughter and then gives her a sheepish smile.] Shit, uhh I don't know if this island has any red meat kicking around but I'll do the best I can. Till then can I offer to find you a fruity flower drink?

[His smile falters a bit and he shrugs.] It sucks not having my mom around anymore, she was the best. My Dad on the other hand...well he's a piece of shit so no loss there.
queenking: ([neutral] ew no why)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-19 07:31 am (UTC)(link)
Mmmm, fruity flower drinks are acceptable. [She says this with a heavy, weary sigh, like she's making a great sacrifice.

Then she snorts, rolling her eyes.
] Dads, man. Definitely not worth the hype.
extrasensory_problems: (Default)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-19 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[He motions towards the path that leads away from the springs.] Great, would you like to get dressed and we can go find you your sacrificial drink then?

Definitely not.
queenking: ([neutral] angelic)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-20 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, right, clothes. [Saxsice grabs for one of the robes she'd gotten from the temple, dropping it over her head and letting out a sigh.] I hope it's an alcohol drink, mister. After tonight, I need it.
extrasensory_problems: (hair in face)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-20 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Carter blushes and quickly turns his head away when she goes to get changed.]

I will absolutely find you a boozey drink, I think we could both use one.

[After leaving the springs Carter does indeed manage to find both him and Saxsice some alcoholic drinks, which he fancies up with a few flowers and muddled fruit.]

I present to you, my sacrifice. Cheers.
queenking: ([up] /sips tea)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-21 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Saxsice is definitely on the shameless side when it comes to nudity -- case in point, the robe she's wearing is too big, gaping open over one shoulder and she doesn't seem to care. All she cares about is the drink, which she makes happy grabbyhands for.]

Oooo, gimme, gimme. [She clinks the glass to his, then takes a long, slow sip.] Ohhhh yeah, much better'n the last island. A+ sacrifice, my dude.
extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-21 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
[He laughs at her grabbyhand motions and passes her the drink, clinking it in a cheers before sitting down next to her. He takes a sip and nods in satisfaction, the muddled fruit adds a little sweetness to the bitter alcohol.]

Mmmm thank you, I'm glad it has been accepted by the bog monster. But what do you mean better than the last island? You didn't like the 1920's drinks?
queenking: (Default)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-23 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Saxsice downs a good third of the drink before resurfacing to breathe.]

Noooope, I sure didn't. Nothin' was good about the liquor back then. Just straight moonshine, without any fun stuff put in. I like a good bit of moonshine, 'specially with cinnamon, but G&T's? Not my style.
extrasensory_problems: (baseball_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-23 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
I disagree with you but then again I've had friends tell me that I drink like a 55 year old man so...my argument probably isn't valid.
Did you enjoy the last island at all? You might not have liked the booze but did you get to go into any of the speakeasy's with live music? That was like a dream for me.
queenking: (Default)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-25 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
That's real specific and I can't decide if it's an insult or a compliment. [She takes another sip.] I run a bar, but I drink like a college student. All fruity and sweet shit.

I liked those, yeah. Liked the pinstriped suits too. Not the zombies so much. You a big music guy?
extrasensory_problems: (sunshine)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-25 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
It's not really either, we just have different taste. [He sips his own drink and smiles.] You run a bar? That's pretty cool, is it like a cool pub or a swanky cocktail place?

Yeah the zombies sucked and so did some of the pinstriped suit wearing gangsters that were there, me and my friend Kyle got beat up by some of those. They thought I was someone they knew or something.

[His face lights up at the mention of music and he nods.] Very much so, I love it. I've played guitar since I was about fifteen.
queenking: ([up] sunlit babe)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-26 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
It's kinda like a crappy little hole-in-the-wall type place. [The words are harsh, but Saxsice says them with immense fondness.] Y'know, the kinda place you go when you can't find anywhere better and you just need a drink?

I know Kyle, he's a peach. [That gets a dark frown.] They beat y'all up? That sucks.

Ohhhh, that's neat. You ever perform anywhere?
extrasensory_problems: (up_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-26 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I was a broke college student before coming here so I absolutely know that kind of place, and love them.

[He nods, fiddling with the flower garnish in his drink] Yeah, luckily not too bad. Kyle got us out of there by holding their little chihuahua hostage.

Not really, a few open mics here and there but nothing big.
queenking: ([neutral] ew no why)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-29 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Broke college students are my bread n' butter, man. Best kind of customers.

[That gets a short, snort of laughter.] Course it was a chihuahua. Can't trust those little shits.

Oh yeah? How come?
extrasensory_problems: (baseball_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-29 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Awww I'll take that as a compliment.

[He shoots her a slanted grin.] It was a pretty dumb little dog but we wound up taking it with us and taking care of it till we left. It's name was Sparkles.

Mostly being busy all the time with nursing school, also probably a little bit of being afraid that I suck. I think my songs are okay but there's always that fear that someone is going to just stand up and be all 'BRO YOU SUCK' about it.
queenking: ([neutral] ew no why)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-29 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
...all right, that's cute. [She fishes a flower out of her drink, sniffing it and then...eating it.] Even I can admit that's cute.

Damn, I've heard nursin' school is rough. Kinda cool you can manage to do any kinda performance. [Then she nods, sighing and flopping back in her chair.] I mean, there's assholes all over. I get the fear, though. Even if I'm the type to just yell back "SO'S YOUR MOM" and beat them up.
extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-29 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Nursing school is rough but also really rewarding, my mom was a nurse so I'm already somewhat used to being in hospitals and helping take care of people.

[He laughs and takes another sip of his drink.] You've got more guts than I do then, I tend to not like starting fights.
queenking: (Default)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-30 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
It takes a smartie, though. I never finished high school, so I kinda envy that whole...college life. [Another sip.] Your mom'd be proud'a you.

Eh, I can't afford a bouncer, so I've gotten good at ending fights.
extrasensory_problems: (hair in face)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-07-30 03:11 am (UTC)(link)
College life sometimes feels like no life, between studying, working, more studying and occasionally sleeping.... [He pauses to glance over at her, remembering the way their illusions synced up, and smiles softly.] Thanks, I'd like to think she would be.

That's good though, gotta protect your customers.
queenking: ([up] girl next door)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-31 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
Better you than me, buddy. [Saxsice smiles a little as well, remembering the same thing.] Moms always want better for their kids. It's kind of a...necessary mom thing.

And my profits. And my stuff. Someone tried to steal my jukebox once.
extrasensory_problems: (Default)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-02 12:00 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, probably a good thing that I've never had much of a social life. Means I don't miss it when I get so busy. [He sees her smile and opens his mouth, closes it, then opens it again. Trying to figure out if he should say something.] .......your son...can I ask about him?

How do you steal a jukebox?? Those things are so heavy!
queenking: ([neutral] intrigued)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-08-02 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
It's kinda overrated. Noisy. [She pauses for a long moment, ready to shut down the line of questioning, but...well, he's already seen it. And she's seen what's likely one of his own most secret, precious memories. So she finally nods, hesitantly.] If you wanna. What...do you wanna know?

With one'a those rolling lifty things. Like movers use. They were organized.

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