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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!
no subject
She plops back down, cross-legged, reaching for more raw meat. "Lots and lots of practice. Don't try that at home, you might get stuck halfway through." She's clearly joking, grinning toothily and popping a chunk of meat in her mouth. Chewing and talking simultaneously, she adds: "I'm a shape-shifter, it's totally normal. Well, not normal, but it's part'a me. Don't freak out."
no subject
Mind stuck on the woman, Gideon reaches for one of the proteins in the pot and drops it. She catches it with the other hand, but it's still hot, so the thing flops back and forth between her hands until it cools down. "I got no right to judge given how weird a place I'm from," Gideon says. All the other Houses agree, and that's the rest of necromantic civilization. "Hey, I'm Gideon. I forgot what you asked."
no subject
Swallowing, she tilts her head to one side. "What kinda place are you from? Not somewhere people can shape-shift like that and live, I suppose." Then she grins, toothily. "Saxsice. Nice to meetcha. I don't remember either."
no subject
This new person, Saxsice, is definitely not from the Nine Houses. Outside of that, she doesn't know. In defense of the other Houses, they probably have animals. "Imagine a tiny nunnery or monk house, monastery?, except smush them together, full of a bunch of old religious people. Now stuff that down a hole in a small space rock. Oh, and the skeletons outnumber the people. They help grow the horrible tasting food. Though it is blessedly not so fucking bright," Gideon describes it. She taps her sunglasses that weren't necessary on the Ninth House.
no subject
The description is...weird. She's stuck on whether the space rock or the skeleton bit is more bizarre. It's kind of an all-around tie, Saxsice finally decides. "That's...huh. Yeah, that's nothin' like where I'm from."
no subject
"Not being able to wield a sword is a big downside if you ask me," Gideon says. "You could maybe have a machete by gripping the handle in your teeth, but it's not the same." A funny image though. "What's it like where you are from?"
no subject
Please don't give this woman a sword, she will stab herself within five seconds. But she has to admit the mental image is a funny one, chuckling a bit. "Well, it's definitely sunnier. I live near the ocean, so it always smells like salt and fish. It's a lot like this island, actually, with fewer flowers and more belligerent people tweaked out on crack." Cue a heavy sigh. "I miss it."
no subject
- Be born a powerful af necromancer
- Obtain a rival to test your wits against
- Study hard
- Abuse the books in the library with your commentary
- Profit"
Gideon is not sure what to make of Saxice's home. Only that belligerent people might mean she could fight more. That might be discouraged when living there long term. Unfortunately. "Are you expecting to go back?" Gideon motions around them. "From here?"no subject
Their general surroundings get a scowly sort of look, and Saxsice props her chin in one hand. "I'm sure as hell gonna try my best to, yeah. I've got shit to do back home. Important shit."
no subject
She's not sure if there is a getting home. For herself, she has no idea what it means, no idea where she would be (the awkward thing about misplacing your own body). "You don't have to confide that with a stranger, unless it's that it's important to shit. In which case, may your bowels love you."
no subject
Then she blinks rapidly before laughing and covering her face. "No, no, I mean -- I've got important stuff to do. Not. There ain't no bowels involved. I appreciate the sentiment, though."
no subject
Her smile sticks around. That's what's so good about bad jokes. They make things better. "I haven't bothered making a to do list for if I go back..." Gideon shrugs. "It was all chaotic enough right then that wouldn't work. Even if I was a list maker/note writer." A small shrug. "Shame it's not bowels. You could work on that here."
no subject
Then she tilts her head to one side, giving Gideon a thoughtful once-over. "You don't sound too bothered 'bout the idea of not goin' back. Do you not really want to?"
no subject
"Bones would be great," Gideon says. "Thank you. Any bones. All the bones." She hesitates from adding 'Never too many bones.' The traditional Ninth House cavalier panniers come to mind. Gideon's not doing that. Harrow has to haul her own bones around.
She picks through the bones, wiping them clean. Her gaze is a little off in the distance. She remembers the last time she smelled the sea, on a terrace half crumbled into the water. A ten thousand year old iron fence. "It's not my top priority," Gideon says. "Can't say I want to stay dead, even on this nice of an island, but we never get everything we want. Life doesn't work that way. So it's... knowing what you want." What she had long imagined as wielding a sword on a battlefield has become Harrow, alive and well and staying that way.
no subject
That gets a thoughtful hum, as Saxsice hugs her knees to her chest, bare feet tapping against the ground. "That's a real zen kinda mindset. Wish it were that easy for me to think like that." There's a pause, then -- "Wait, dead?"
no subject
Zen isn't a term Gideon's familiar with, so she's not sure what is difficult or easy about what she said. She's always had goals since she was small. Most of her life it was running away from the Ninth House and joining the Cohort. Fighting in war. Unfortunately, she has since learned not all problems can be solved with a sword. "That is usually the consequence when you're impaled on a sharp post of an iron fence," she says. Even more so, if that's on purpose. "Or when you get dragged down in the bottom of the River." Or when super duper poisoned. "You don't remember dying?" Gideon asks.
no subject
Then she leans back a little, tilting her head to one side, her voice getting a little sharp. "Real sorry bout your, uh. Impalin' and all, but I ain't dead. I definitely ain't dead."
no subject
She raises her eyebrows behind her sunglasses. Admittedly, Saxsice looks alive and well. So does Gideon. And Harrow. She knows that also isn't enough to make it true, to make it more than some afterlife no one knows anything about. "No offense and all that, but how do you know you're not dead?" Gideon asks. It sucks to have that news broken to you. She doesn't want to be the one to do that. Saxsice has been a nice decent person. Too many of those die this young.
no subject
One thing she doesn't accept is the idea that this is some sort of afterlife. So she shakes her head, firmly, one arm hugging her knees to her chest. "Because I can't be. I refuse. Not doin' it. I'm gonna go home and go back to my life and that's that. Besides, wouldn't I remember it?"
no subject
"I don't know how you make people better," Gideon says, "That was never the subject of my learning, and all the attempts people made on me didn't go anywhere. I'm notoriously hardheaded. Pure force and punishment isn't something I'd bet my money on. Even if you can make people dance to your strings, if it's out of fear and for pure survival, you haven't made them better. You've only made them scared and given yourself more problems." She shrugs. She isn't an all powerful being. She isn't trying to make anyone here better. She's not, really, sure she's doing anything about herself. Except, she doesn't need any more people dead on her account. Dead-er.
no subject
Then she shifts to look at Gideon again, trying to distract herself. "Yeah? You seem pretty good to me. We just met, yeah, but overall I'd give you a solid 8.5/10."
no subject
Her hands twitch for her sword. Nothing else comforts her the same way. Gideon likes Saxsice liking her. Likes the idea of being a solid 8.5/10. Then she sees Jeanne Mary in the bed, with the message drawn in her blood on the wall. The Fourth were both kids. "Thanks. What gave that minus 1.5 away?" Gideon teases.
no subject
Saxsice's small smile widens into the cocky, genuine one that seems much more at place on her face. "You aren't a very good cook. Food's very important, y'know."
no subject
Her smile broadens, and Gideon laughs freely. "You got me there," she says, "Food is very important. The food we had growing up was pretty shit, so I never learned how to make anything good. I will go to about any dinner that promises good food." Which somehow is a bar better met by people than saints.