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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Well there's only one way to find out...

(He takes a tentative bite, a bit sad that he's destroying her beautiful presentation but then again she wouldn't offer it to him if she didn't expect it to be eaten. His eyes open wide when the flavor hits his tongue and he nods eagerly, making a soft 'mmm' noise as he chews.)

This tastes amazing!

( Chloe tries to avoid watching him too closely but she obviously has a vested interest in his opinion. Her anticipatory anxieties are soon relieved by his reaction. Breaking into a smile, she gives a little clap. )

Perfect! Just perfect.

( Utterly delighted, Chloe is all too happy to dive more into hostess mode. This is where she feels comfortable. Like she can be useful and do some small thing for others. Like she still has a purpose. )

Is there anything else I can get for you? It might take a moment or two but if you're willing to wait, I am willing to make.

(He pops the rest of the treat in his mouth with a grin, her expression of delight is adorable and it's obvious to him that she likes taking care of people. So really, who is he to deny her that?)

I am perfectly happy to eat whatever you want to make, I can be your food guinea pig.

( Carter's assessment is entirely correct, and Chloe couldn't look more pleased that someone is willing to indulge her doting tendencies. She doesn't have the impressive, state-of-the-art, practically superhuman abilities of some androids but she does possess a myriad of skills to give humans a few home comforts. )

It's very kind of you to volunteer. Don't worry - I don't anticipate anything being too disastrous.

( She surveys the ingredients she hasn't tried yet. It doesn't take too long for her to have an obvious lightbulb moment and get to work making grilled fish with a grilled peach accompaniment. A little out there, perhaps, but nothing ventured and all. )

I might take a treat to the Ferryman. See if I might be able to stay on this island for the duration.

Edited 2021-07-05 19:09 (UTC)

(He's touched by her idea to take something to the Ferryman, it's both very sweet and not a bad idea to see if it would help her situation a bit, although Carter suspects the Ferryman doesn't get much say in who stays and goes.)

Aw that's really sweet of you, but...do you think he eats? I mean like, I've never seen his face. I always just assumed he was a skeleton under all those robes.

In this instance, I think you mistake selfishness for sweetness.

( Despite the comment, her tone stays light. It's not like she really expects to be able to bribe any Powers That Be. It does raise the question of whether there are offerings to be made that could curry favour with those Powers. She doesn't dwell on it for too long. )

Given what we've seen so far, there could be anything underneath those robes. Is there any reason your mind went to him being a skeleton?

( It's just a curiosity question, since there are so many things to be curious about. )

(Carter shrugs and plays with one of the extra flowers on the counter top.)

I guess I heard the word 'Ferryman' and thought of like ancient Greece, you know the Ferryman of the river styx? When we first arrived on the boats I actually wondered if I was dead or not, but that idea pretty much went out the window when I got attacked by some things and felt pain and started to bleed and heal.

( She knows the mythology but in all the thoughts she'd had about ending up on the islands, the underworld wasn't one of them. Probably because she isn't technically alive. And doesn't think there's any kind of afterlife waiting for her the day she shuts down for good. )

I can imagine that others have wondered the same thing. But we really don't have to talk about these things if you'd rather not. I mean, I'm very happy to listen if you ever do but... I'm sure there are far more pleasant ways to spend the time.

( Fortunately, they're both saved from her rambling backtracking by her determining the food is ready to serve. The grilled fish and peaches are plated as delicately as the previous dish then presented to him. Risky as the dish is, she doesn't appear to be overtly anxious. Or primed to make an apology. Just bright and breezy. )

You have to promise not to flatter me if it's awful.

There's not much else to say, I still have no ideas as to why we are on these islands but at least I'm not still thinking that I'm a ghost.

(When she pulls the grilled fish out his stomach gives a low rumble, reminding him that he needs to eat just more than treats. Once she has plated it he gives her a smile and then takes a bite, chewing on it thoughtfully. The flavor is well balanced and fresh tasting and he nods, taking another larger bite.)

Flattery aside, this is great. The flavor is really subtle but nice, you should try it.

No, Ghost would be the wrong Patrick Swayze movie for you. You're Johnny Castle, remember?

( She even gives him a playful wink. It's so nice to just be sometimes. Okay, there's the odd worry or two about how she might be perceived, but she feels more like she did years ago.

She's clearly thrilled again with his response. She doesn't even chastise herself for how she should have offered him a meal before a treat. She does, however, wave a hand to decline the offer to try it herself. )

No, it's for you. Please, just enjoy and make sure you don't leave hungry.

(He laughs and gives her a playful bump with his shoulder.)

Right right, sorry I am getting my Patrick Swayze's mixed up.

(He shrugs and makes quick work of finishing the meal, he's never going to let good food go to waste. After he is done he leans against the counter, a small content smile on his face.)

The reviews are in, the chef at Blooming Delicious gets 5 stars for not only her cooking but also her kindness.

( She looks at her shoulder for a second, like she doesn't quite get it. She knows it's a friendly gesture but it isn't one she's experienced. )

No need to apologise, remember?

( At first her smile is soft. It soon grows to megawatt proportions as he's once again satisfied by her work. She's done well and exactly as she's meant to do and that's splendid. Maybe there's hope for her yet. )

You're far too generous, Carter, but I'm not going to argue with it. Thank you. The chef says to please spread the word and to please come again as often as you'd like. And the chef also wonders if you have any favourite dishes as she will try her very best to prepare them.

I will absolutely be telling people to come and try Blooming Delicious, as for favorite dishes....hrmm I would have to say it's a tie between ramen, fried chicken and tacos.

( Chloe thinks for a moment, cross-referencing what's available on the island with the necessary ingredients to create any of those meals. )

I should be able to whip up some tacos. I doubt they'll be made with masa harina so they won't be the most authentic, if you don't mind that? Though it's probably no surprise that they're likely to be fish tacos.

Fish tacos sound great, but I'm starting to feel bad about you making me all this food. What can I do in return for you?
I can do the dishes if you'd like?

( Bemused, Chloe blinks a couple of times. )

You don't have to do anything in return for me. You could help me with the dishes, if you want to, but you don't have to feel bad or obligated in the slightest.

I know I'm not obligated but I like helping out, so I'll do the dishes.

So where did you learn how to cook so well? Were either of your parents good cooks?

( Chloe gives him that curious look again, opens her mouth to protest but then ultimately relents. If he really wants to help, she won't argue against it any further. )

You really are sweet, Carter. Thank you.

( Ah. Those are both reasonable questions. She should be able to conjure reasonable answers to them. But a little voice whispers that she should just tell him the truth. He told her about having powers. Would it really matter if he knew she wasn't human?

While she doesn't feel all the weight of the world on her shoulders for once, that weight is one she can't quite push away. Maybe she could try to nudge it away. )

No, I... I don't have parents, actually. But it's alright. It's not... an issue.

(Her choice of words are clever because Carter assumes she means that her parents are deceased and that she never knew them, he is also sensitive to grief so he won't follow up with any questions about it.)

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ask you something you're sensitive about. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.

No, no, it’s not that… You didn’t say anything wrong. It’s just…

( Chloe realises she’s never had to tell anyone about what she is. Everyone where she’s from just knows. )

You mentioned before about people having powers… Mutants… Do you have non-humans as well where you’re from?

( A question that might telegraph the fact she’s not human but at least she’s not having to say it outright. Yet. )

(Carter's face softens and he puts down the things he was getting ready to clean, turning to Chloe.)

By non-humans do you mean like otherworldly types like aliens, fairies, cyborgs? Stuff like that?

Edited 2021-07-08 22:26 (UTC)

( The mention of cyborgs catches her attention as they’re vaguely similar to herself. Although it’s not a fair comparison as there’s nothing organically human about her.

But she nods as she tidies, looking more at the dishes than at him. )

Yes. Something like that. Beings people might not really think of as being… Well… People.

(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?

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