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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( On the one hand, she's glad to see Sephiroth. As far as backup against whatever might be lurking out there goes, he seems like an excellent candidate. And he's armed. So that's... something. On the other hand, he strikes her as being the 'chop first, ask questions later' type. Or to just chop and not ask questions at all.

Then again, they could balance each other out. She doesn't always act when she probably should and he... Well, he might listen to her?

Or that could be the hopeless optimism showing itself again. Either way, it's time to get down to business. )

No, not really...

( Not wanting to discuss it too much in front of the villagers, she cants her head for them to move out of earshot. She relays the tale told to her - the lovestruck teenager who wandered off into the night despite the warnings not to. Hardly the violence he assumed. )

But that doesn't mean they aren't being attacked now. I mean, it could be nothing but... Let's not take the chance. You'll come with me?

[Sephiroth snorts when she relays the details.] As though any flower is worth that here. [Aren't there enough of them in the daytime, if these are so dangerous to gather? How stupid.

He eyes her skeptically at her question. He's quite certain he doesn't need assistance, least of all hers, but she isn't exactly under his command. She can do as she pleases.]

I intend to go regardless. If you insist on coming... Don't fall behind.

People will do all sorts for the one they love.

( Said a tad defensively, and not entirely about the situation at hand. That aside, a degree of understanding doesn't go amiss.

Ignoring the look he gives her, she gives a nod in return. As they start traversing, she makes a point of keeping up with him. She might not be as useful as a soldier but she wants to play her part in making sure the missing person returns home safe and sound. )

We do have an agreement, don't we? About learning some self-defense? This could be an opportune time...

( Though Chloe hopes it won't come to that. For starters, she doesn't want to solve problems through violence. Secondly, plunging straight into the fray probably isn't the best way to learn. Or the safest. It's a show of willingness, at least. )

[He rolls his eyes, but at least "glowing flowers" gives them something to keep an eye out for. Sephiroth might have good night vision, but he isn't much of a tracker.

Also, it's a good thing there aren't any supernatural forces ~~or Aeris~~ to take umbrage with him for destroying flowers, because he is going to put that machete to use in clearing the denser plant life.]

I suppose it gives you a chance to observe, if nothing else. Are you armed in any way?

...No. Unless you count a cheery sort of charm?

( Very funny, Chloe. Carrying around machetes isn't something that occurs to her. Nor is carving away at the plant life. If this is lesson one of how to defend oneself, she has failed miserably.

What she is more successful at is observing their surroundings. Each bloom and sprig of green they meet is catalogued within her memory, along with any seeming discrepancies within the environment. As such, the crushed leaves of an unfortunate plant near their feet and a couple of broken dangling vines catch her attention. Very possibly signs of a wandering teenager on a quest for flowers.

To test her theory, she goes over to sweep the vines out of the way, finding her foot lands where the smooshed plant is. )

It looks as though someone has already passed through here.

Somehow I doubt you'll be able to annoy any monsters to death.

[Sephiroth pauses to follow her gesture.]

Hm. Well noted.

[It doesn't necessarily mean it was the hapless teen, but it's more promising than no path at all. Sephiroth pushes ahead, the machete held easily at his side when it's not needed. Maybe the foliage isn't quite so dense this way, and ahead in the distance... There's no sign of anything moving just yet, but that looks like a glow.]

I believe I see the flowers.

( Chloe allows herself a small, pleased smile at showing she isn't completely useless (as much to herself as to Sephiroth).

Continuing with her investigation, she crouches down by the glowing flowers to examine them more closely, just in case they themselves have any secrets to tell. But they only appear to be otherworldly blooms.

She stands up and casts a glance around them for anything. Looking back to the flowers, she muses out loud. )

Perhaps interacting with them triggers something...?

Just because he came looking for them doesn't mean they have any direct connection to his disappearance.

But you're welcome to test your theory.

[They certainly encountered things on Carcosa which had unanticipated magical consequences. Why not flowers?

He doesn't say that he'll keep an eye on her should she pick a flower and suffer some ill effect, but it's at least vaguely implied.]

No, that's very true. It could be a possibility, though.

( His general... Sephirothness doesn't mean he isn't a shrewd individual but she's still slightly surprised he didn't reject her idea outright. Or at least roll his eyes at it.

That implication is also assumed by Chloe. Or maybe hoped for. With him sort of seconding the testing of her idea, she figures he won't abandon her if the hypothesis proves correct and things go south.

Returning to the flowers, she touches one. Waits a little while. When nothing happens, she plucks the same one and peers at it. No change in the flower itself. No apparent change immediately around them.

Alright. Back to the drawing board. And also back to Sephiroth in case them poking around catches the attention of anything. )

It doesn't look like there's signs of a struggle... Can you see anything that looks like drag marks, anything like that?

[If this was his first island, he probably would have rolled his eyes. He's a little more... open about what is possible with magic, now.

He watches until it becomes apparent that nothing is happening, then shifts his attention to the area around them. He doesn't see anything notable among the flowers themselves, but beyond where most of them are growing, there's a small cluster that doesn't look quite the same... Sephiroth approaches to find a handful of picked flowers lying discarded. No sign of a struggle, but some disturbance in the vegetation beyond.]

...I think perhaps he ran.

Yes, I would deduce the same.

( Which begs the question what he may have been running from. Or perhaps running to. Maybe both. And there's only one way to find out.

Chloe would be lying if she said she didn't feel a flicker of fear as she carefully proceeds in the direction of the damaged vegetation. At least there's a soldier with her. There's no telling what might be laying in wait, and whether a soldier's capabilities would be equipped to deal with it, but it definitely provides a measure of comfort. )

...Did you ever encounter the undead on Carcosa...?

( The thought spoken aloud is quiet, more to avoid their voices alerting anything to their presence than anything else. Chloe hasn't quite managed to park the run-in with zombies just yet. It isn't usually something she would bring up but Sephiroth hardly seems like he needs her attempts to shelter anyone from the potential horrors lurking in the dark. )

[Maybe if he'd been more forthright about his capabilities, she wouldn't be afraid. Or, maybe she would be, but of him. Even his allies are, sometimes.

For his part, he isn't the slightest bit frightened. His own efforts at moving quietly make him seem more a nighttime predator than a man attempting caution.]

Yes, on several occasions. They were easily dispatched.

[He doesn't really know why she's asking. Maybe she does want some reassurance of his skill. Does the dismissive tone help?]

...I was just curious.

( It would seem to serve as enough of an explanation. There's the implication within the initial statement that she stumbled across them too, but she doesn't offer anything further. No doubt it's best to stick to the task at hand.

She studies the way he moves. She isn't bumbling along but as she has the chance to take some pointers, she'll take advantage of it. Her own motions don't exactly mirror his own yet they do display an ability to quickly process information and make use of it.

Venturing closer, her audio processors pick up something. Singing...? It sounds like singing. Only she wouldn't describe the vocal register as human. )

Do you hear that...?

...yes.

[Sephiroth pauses again to glance back at her.]

You should proceed with caution. I know of monsters whose magic can play tricks on the mind.

[He wouldn't normally think to follow his own advice, as he's always been resistant to that kind of magic, but this isn't his homeworld. The Ancient's magic has gotten in his head. He frowns. With some caution, then, he continues forward, keeping low until he can determine the situation.

The undergrowth thins nearer to the trees, revealing the scene ahead: the idiot boy trapped up in a tree, surrounded by singing insects. Somewhat like kimara bugs, they look to him. Hopefully a little tougher than kimara bugs.]

Of course.

( First and foremost, few seem to be immune to ways of the islands. There's also the matter of any claims that such magic might not affect her would likely require some elaboration as to why. Perhaps not with Sephiroth. He seems quite content in not asking questions. Not of the personal kind.

Following him, she's not thrilled when they find the source of the singing. Bugs are not among Chloe's favourite creatures. Human sized bugs holding the teenager hostage are even less of a favourite. As such, she doesn't hold a wealth of knowledge about them but she can recognise them. Or the closest approximation to their non-human sized counterparts that she's familiar with. )

Mantises. I'd say they're mantises. Be mindful of the front legs.

( She pauses for a moment before offering her take on tactics. )

I can be a distraction. If I divert them over here, you can help the boy?

[He raises an eyebrow at her.]

I would suggest the opposite. I take them on, you help the boy.

[Getting stabbed is distracting, right? Or, hacked. The machete isn't the ideal stabbing weapon. Either way, he doesn't see what she would mean to do after drawing the creatures in her direction. It's better if he does it.]

Whatever the effect of their song, it seems to take time. I'm sure I can kill them before we find ourselves much inhibited.

[He's already starting to rise, so if she has any objections to that whole "kill them" plan, she'd better speak quickly.]

Wait! We don't know what the circumstances are. They could just be protecting their territory or their young ones. They might not even mean to harm him, just incapacitate him or make him leave...

( Sure, the situation doesn't look that great. Benefit of the doubt is important anyway, right? They're living beings and while she may not be their biggest fan, one doesn't just start hacking away at living beings who may not have been doing anything wrong or dangerous at all. One doesn't just look and determine that they're nothing of worth or value and can therefore be disposed of as one sees fit.

For a second, the thought that she hasn't actually seen any young ones, mantis or otherwise, flashes through her mind. That musing can wait.

Ignoring him, Chloe slowly approaches the creatures. Her hands are held out by her sides to signal that she, at least, isn't going to immediately go at them with a machete. )

Well... Hello there... I'm sure you have a good reason for what you're doing but there are a lot of people worried about this boy...

( It's possible that her central processing unit has short-circuited as she's now talking to giant singing insects. Though those insects are now turning their attention away from the tree and seem to be listening? )

Incapacitate him to eat him, maybe.

[Hell, is she really that much of a bleeding heart that she wants to rationalize the actions of monsters? He's killed enough to feel certain there's no point in that. If Sephiroth were the type to curse more casually, he probably would now, but instead he only grits his teeth in annoyance as she emerges into plain view to talk to them.

It's basically the opposite of self-defense, but if she wants to do something stupid, then he may as well take advantage. The singing has stopped, and as long as she has their attention, Sephiroth intends to circle around behind them.

Helping the boy? Not really his priority. But he doesn't have the range he's accustomed to, so getting in closer before he's noticed is ideal.

It's unclear yet whether the mantises understand Chloe; Sephiroth would posit their song is only an approximation of human speech, to lure their prey. But they do seem to be waiting on something more from her, rather than outright attacking. Maybe they're only sizing her up.]

( The fact they could be sizing her up has also crossed Chloe's mind. They would be some disappointed insects if they do decide to go in for the kill. She lacks any tasty human flesh to eat and ingesting her blue blood is... not the wisest thing to do. At least it could buy Sephiroth and the boy some time.

She keeps one eye on her companion as she continues to address her mantis audience. Hopefully he won't strike if they don't strike first. Hopefully no one will strike anyone at all. )

With so many people worried about him, we might not be the only ones who you meet. We just want to take him back to his village and his family but others might not see it that way...

( The mantis nearest to her rubs its front legs together, the rest soon following suit. It cocks its head at her. It then speaks, but its statement is a simple one. )

Food.

( It may help the mantises cause if they could be more specific. Is this a request? Telling them that they're on the menu? There's no elaboration at the moment, only the echoing chorus of 'food' from the other insects. )

[What's this "we" business? Sephiroth absolutely wants a fight.

And he thinks their response is clear enough: she would absolutely have gotten herself eaten had she come out here alone. If someone were to ask him why there aren't any children in the village, he has a working hypothesis.

What neither Chloe's optimism nor his pessimism quite accounted for was the boy beginning to recover his senses. He gives an abrupt start like someone coming awake from the edge of sleep and yelps as he nearly falls out of the tree, drawing the attention of several of the mantises. One of them spots Sephiroth, and suddenly all of them seem to notice him.

Sephiroth decides he's close enough. It's probably small comfort to Chloe that he's taking her advice about their front legs to heart as he darts in faster than any human has a right to be and just hacks clean through the foreleg of the closest mantis.]

( Chloe herself can picture why their might be an absence of children. The insects are alluring in looks and their song seems to lull people. A child could quite easily want to investigate or even try to befriend the wondrous creates.

Having that thought in mind doesn't stop Chloe trying to attempt the befriending herself. Before she can carry on with her diplomatic mission, a flurry of activity erupts.

Her first port of call is to try getting closer to the boy and be ready to catch him (or break his fall). Darting towards the tree, she glances to Sephiroth to make sure he's okay.

And he seems to be. The mantises? Not so much. )

Wait! Stop! They weren't doing anything! They weren't attacking!

( Whether they were gearing up to is irrelevant. They'd been talking. They don't know if the creatures are only acting on instinct or if they have the ability to be reasoned with.

A strategy that now looks like it's gone out the window.

The struck mantis emits a shrill cry that Chloe interprets as pain. The rest make the same sound, like they'd been dealt the blow themselves. They also look like they're backing off from the man with the machete and the fallen member of their group. Is it even dead? Or is it just suffering?

Awful as the scene is, and may yet become, the human in the tree is the priority. Seizing the opening, she carries on her dash so she can stand guard, coax him down. )

Sephiroth! Just stop! Please!

[And the boy will need some coaxing to come down. Between the tall weirdo with the machete and the screaming of the mantises, there's a lot about the situation that doesn't say "safe," and while he seems to recognize Chloe as a would-be rescuer, he's hesitant to leave his perch.

As for whether Sephiroth can be reasoned with, that also seems questionable at the moment. The mantises collectively draw back from him at the shock of his attack-- but though badly injured, the one mantis isn't dead yet, and when Sephiroth advances a step closer as if to finish the job, they seem to rally in its defense.

Lucky for them, they have a much longer reach than his current weapon, so while he's able to block and dodge those sharp spines on their arms, he's having a harder time closing in to strike at their bodies. Is he... smiling, though? It's a clumsy weapon, but it's been entirely too long since he's had a blade in his hand.]

( Smiling. Now there's smiling accompanying the violence. Chloe would like to think it's akin to nervous laughter during a dire situation but somehow... she doubts that's the case. If an appeal to better natures won't work, a more practical one might. )

They're advancing on you when you advance on them! And your weapon is disproportionate to theirs! Keep going and we might all end up with our heads bitten off!

( Do these mantises bite off heads? Does it really matter? The far worse thought is that her plea might only spur him on more. The reassurances she offers the boy don't match her face at all. Nothing about her expression is convincing anyone that it will all be okay and all is under control. )

I'd like to see them try.

[Chloe, anything that makes this more challenging is also what makes it fun. He severs the tip of one mantis's forearm, and they collectively reel back for an instant. Sephiroth glances back at Chloe.]

You wanted to get the boy out of here, so get him out of here. I believe I have their attention.

[The boy is edging towards a lower branch, at least; maybe he recognizes that this is a now-or-never kind of moment.]

( Being powerless is something Chloe is all too familiar with. Bitter a pill as it is to swallow, she realises that nothing she says or does is going to make any difference. That, too, is something she is all too familiar with.

In his single-mindedness, in his relentlessness, Sephiroth reminds the android of her creator. It's... disconcerting to draw such unfavourable comparisons. And they should most certainly be ignored.

With the boy looking like he's going to make a move, Chloe goes back to encouraging him. She also gets him to keep his focus on her as best he can so neither of them have to witness the violence. Him freaking out now and retreating back up the tree isn't going to help matters at all.

Tentative as he is at first, the boy then launches himself from the tree. Chloe scoops him to his feet, keeping an arm around him to steer him away and offer some comforting contact.

She glances over her shoulder to Sephiroth, not entirely comfortable with just leaving him there. Despite how he appears to be in his element. )

You'll be behind us?

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