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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

assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Playful)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-20 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I've gotten bitten by countless snakes, many of whom were my brother in disguise. But I suppose being a god makes it easier to deal with; venom and the like don't do much to me. But. That's an interesting life theory. Does that .. approach normally work for you? [He lets out a laugh, appreciating the weirdness.]

No, that's okay. I don't expect everyone to know that. There are many gods and goddesses in the world; all of them are as real as the next. [That elicits a laugh.] Yes, grouchy faces and eye rolls. Also throw in exasperated sighs for good measure.

[He tilts his head, watching her with thoughtful consideration.] Yes, I can understand that, in my own way. Is there no way to send word to them that you are doing well? Or to see how they are doing?
queenking: ([up] girl next door)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-21 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
Ahhh, gotcha, that'll make all the difference. Some venom gets me quicker than others, depends on what I look like. [A pause, then, by way of explanation:] I turn into a big fluffy wolf. So. That's when I eat them.

Oh, wow, that's a lot. Guess it's good I kinda just...let them do their thing. Let 'em vibe, as long as they aren't gonna quiz me on who's who. [Saxsice snorts a little, clearly bemused.] Yep, can't forget the sigh. It's nice y'all got each other, though.

[The smile fades, and she shifts, avoiding eye contact and staring at the opposite wall like she's trying to burn a hole through it.] There isn't. I've tried everythin' I can think of, but he -- they won't know where I went. Or that I'm okay and tryin' to get back.
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Suspicious and Unsure)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-21 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
A wolf! [Thor is clearly delighted, and he leans forward a little out of curiosity.] Do you have transformative powers then? How does it work? .. If you don't mind me asking, of course.

Yes, yes. It is good to "let them vibe," as you say. Well, hopefully you are able to remember my brother and I, should someone ever ask.

[The corners of his lips tug, and he glances down towards his hands, both of which are absentmindedly fidgeting with each other.] I'm sorry, Saxsice. I don't have much of a family to speak of outside of this place, but I can imagine how difficult the situation must be for you. I don't know how I may be of assistance to you, but—[He looks to her, the faintest smile on his face.] You've shown me a great kindness by chatting with me, and it is only right I do the same. If there is some way that I can help you, please let me know.
queenking: ([neutral] can't lie to this face)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-23 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, yeah. [She's not super used to talking about it, because it's supposed to be a big secret and all that. But attention is her favorite, and she beams a little under it, sitting a bit higher.] Shapeshifter's a better word than "werewolf", for sure. It's somethin' you're born with, where I'm from, and you do it whenever there's a full moon when you're a little kid. But as you grow you get better and better at it, til you can do it on command. [Then, frowning a little:] Unless you mean what's the science behind it, in which case I don't even know, man.

Oh yeah, y'all seem pretty chill for gods. Not, uh, that I have a lot to compare it to, but I don't think I'll forget ya anytime soon.

[Saxsice shifts a little, reaching to toy with a loose strand of her hair.] Wasn't any big thing. I like talkin', that's all. But, uh, thanks. [She hesitates, then says in a quieter voice:] I got a kid at home and I'm...real worried that somethin' bad's gonna happen if I ain't around, y'know?
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Sass . Bitches Be Crazy)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-23 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
So you have powers like a god in your own way. You can turn into a wolf! [Thor waves a dismissive hand and shakes his head.] Science doesn't interest me. That's a thing that Banner likes, with all his PhDs.

Are you able to tap into your abilities here?

[Thor falls quiet, tilting his head as he studies her. He can't imagine what it would be like to have a child, having never really thought about it himself. It would make sense for him to eventually have an heir, but after what Loki said about the destruction of Asgard, what would be left to inherit? A tiny town somewhere on Earth? Hardly a kingdom to command.

He nods, able to at least sympathize.
]

Of course. Mothers always seem to worry about the well-being of their children. I am afraid I don't have much to say in the way of making you feel better or soothing your fears. I'm sorry, Saxsice.
queenking: ([neutral] puppy dog eyes)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-25 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
Huh. I guess so, yeah. Can gods turn into wolves too? [Saxsice nods, then hesitates, before waving a hand in a so-so gesture.] I mean, I can usually get it done, but it's a lot trickier and takes way more effort than it did at home. Plus the moon gets me all screwy like it hasn't since I was a kid. Soooo...kinda-sorta?

[Then she shrugs, an awkward gesture.] Thanks. I -- don't talk about him much cause, y'know...kind of a bummer. Don't like thinkin' about missin' him and all that. [She shakes it off, putting on a brave face.] But I can't change nothin' by bein' sad, right?
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Backlit in Thought)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-26 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, some can. My brother, Loki, is able to do that, though I don't think I remember him turning into wolves very often. He usually transformed into things he knew I'd like so that he could trick me and stab me. I don't have that ability, however; it's much more suited for the God of Mischief. [Thor smiles fondly and wistfully, as he often does, talking about his family.]

I think that sadness can be a great motivator, depending on how you interpret it and use it. It can also be destructive if you let it be. [He falls silent for a few breaths. It's as though he wants to share more, but ultimately bites his tongue, giving his head a small shake] We need not talk about him any longer; I don't wish to make you sad, Saxsice.
queenking: ([neutral] red lips)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-26 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
Ahhhh, like snakes. [Saxsice nods seriously, making the connection.] Yeah, you're right about that. If I were a god of mischief, shape-shiftin' would be the number one thing I'd do. Turnin' into...talkin' books or cats or stuff.

[She nods, looking down at her feet for a moment and exhaling long and slow. Then she looks back up, smiling brightly again.] I'm all right. But thanks, Thor. You're a good dude.
assemble_the_lovbacken: (A Feeling . Sideways :D)

[personal profile] assemble_the_lovbacken 2021-07-27 12:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, like snakes! [Thor gestures happily in her direction, glad she's made the connection.] I wish Loki had done something like turn into talking books. That would've been most amusing. [He sighs, shaking his head as he glances down to his fidgeting hands.] Ah, those days are gone now.

[He blinks as though surprised. After a second, he returns her smile.] Thank you. You're a kind woman, and I've greatly appreciated our conversation. I .. I appreciate the company; thank you.
queenking: ([up] double eyebrow arch)

[personal profile] queenking 2021-07-29 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Are they? Y'all are still brothers, arencha? [Saxsice leans a little, nudging at him gently with an elbow.] Anythin' could happen. Maybe this place wants to teach ya how to be snakes together again. Uh, metaphorically. Or literally, if you prefer that?

[Then she huffs out a laugh, shaking her head.] Nah, I'm not that nice. Just got a big mouth and sometimes it says the right thing, that's all.
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.