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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
Be careful.
( Not delaying any longer for all their sakes, she keeps her arm around the teenager as they head back the way they came. He doesn't appear to be injured, except for a few scratches and scrapes from hastily clambering into the tree. He seems more shaken up than anything, though Chloe keeps a close eye on him.
Her head continually turns to look back for Sephiroth. Mental timestamps are taken to gauge how long might be too long before he joins them. Their disagreements don't mean she's any less worried about him. )
no subject
He probably takes a little too long for comfort, waiting to deal another serious blow before pulling back. Maybe this one was fatal, or maybe the first mantis is succumbing to its injuries, because they don't follow him. Amid the chorus of insect screams, he turns to head back.
His long stride means he's able to catch up easily enough. Hopefully he doesn't cut too frightening an appearance, coming through the brush to join them. Now that he's closer, it's easier to see the light spatter of bug guts. There might be a tear in the sleeve of his robe that he doesn't seem concerned about or even aware of.]
no subject
Concerns deepening, Chloe brings herself and the boy to a stop. They've gone far enough to be out of the reach of the fight. Without knowing Sephiroth is safe, she doesn't want to go any further. If she needs to turn back to find him, she'll do exactly that.
In spite of his appearance, she smiles when she catches sight of him. She doesn't move until he's right back with them. Then it's time for her to give him a glance over to see if he's hurt in any apparent way. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be the case. His robe looks like it's seen better days, however.
All too ready to break into 'I'm so glad you're alright' and make a bit of a fuss, she reins herself in. Doesn't seem like the right approach at all, and she should make more of an effort to relate to him in a way that might suit him better. )
It's good to see you back.
( There. Nothing too overblown or gushing. A straightforward statement. Though she can't resist tacking on a small something else. )
I can fix your robe later, if you'd like?
no subject
We should keep moving.
[He didn't eradicate the monsters, after all. He starts walking back, and after a short silence, he asks:]
...you sew?
[He doesn't like the robe, but at least it isn't some eye-searing color. Repairing or even altering it would be preferable.]
no subject
The ratio of insect innards to the number of insects that he'd faced would seem to indicate that he might not have wiped out the entire number. As much as she wants to query it, she doesn't. For now.
Out of the three of them, she wouldn't have thought he'd be the one to break the silence. Yet he does. And it isn't even to make a disdainful comment. Quite the development as far as Chloe's concerned. )
I do. It wouldn't be much work at all to repair it.
no subject
Hm. Assuming you can locate the appropriate tools, that might be beneficial.
[Appropriate tools like a sewing kit, maybe? Needle and thread? It's like he doesn't even know what it's called.]
no subject
I'm sure I can find the necessary things. A needle and thread shouldn't be too hard to come by.
( That would be Chloe's gentle, not meant to be patronising way of naming said tools. Not everyone has the skillset of a 1950's housewife. )
I also cook, should you ever feel like an alternative to what's on hand at the Temple.
no subject
[The offer to cook does earn her an odd look. To him, she's just volunteering it out of nowhere, unrelated to anything at hand. Moreover...]
I'm entirely capable of cooking my own meals.
no subject
( As that's what she perpetually tries to be. Bug murder hasn't totally derailed her want to be friendly. )
Do you enjoy making anything in particular?
( That's a reasonable question, right? Harmless small talk. Sure, Sephiroth doesn't seem all that much for small talk but at least she isn't lecturing him on the ethical treatment of giant insects? )
no subject
He glances past her at the boy, trying to gauge from his expression if small talk at this juncture is in any way normal. He's really not sure.]
...no. It's simply a useful skill.
no subject
( Chloe has no frame of reference for post-battle banter. Her aim was to show she wasn't going to drone on about how the situation played out and give him a reprieve. Establishing a rapport with him is... challenging. In the spirit of always looking for the silver lining, she decides to regard it as a learning opportunity. One she can use to hone her skills to more harmoniously interact with a more... subdued personality. Therefore she circles back to the matter she thought it would be wiser to drop. )
What happened with the mantises?
( She is careful to avoid asking what happened to them. All judgemental notes are kept out of her voice. They're reviewing, that's all. If her theory about there not being enough bug goo to indicate they were all hacked to pieces proves false... Well then. She'll just have to do better in future. )
no subject
I left three of them significantly wounded, but no confirmed kills.
They seemed disinclined to follow me, but I don't know that it's enough to deter them from eating any more villagers.
[Absolutely no regard for the nearly-eaten teenager mere feet away from him. He wasn't eaten, so he's fine, right?]
no subject
The boy doesn't seem as bolstered by what's said, letting out a strangled squawk at there being no guarantee he, or his fellow villagers, might not remain on the menu. )
I'd be interested to see if there is a way to deter them. I might go back with food from the Temple for the time we're here. If they have a steady supply and no one else is preyed upon, it might be a way to prevent this from happening. If we're to move on again, they will no longer have your strength and expertise.
no subject
[He understands what she's saying about the villagers not having him to deal with the mantises after their time here is up, but he also doesn't care. Either they figure out a solution on their own, or they'll all be eaten. They aren't his responsibility.
But what she's proposing is absurd.]
Will you ask them their preferences? Cook them their favorite meal?
[He's pretty sure it's human babies. Have fun with that.]
no subject
As fish seems to be in plentiful supply, I'd start there. If we're to stay here for the same duration as we did Carcosa, I'd say it's enough time to test the theory.
( She also wouldn't outright reject his human baby theory. But a regular supply of easy food that doesn't involve anyone hunting them down might sway the mantises into settling for other cuisines. )
no subject
Say it works. Then what?
These people spend the rest of their existence in service to monsters? I suppose they'd prefer it to the current situation, but I expect having to supply food for an additional population will put some strain on them.
And plentiful now doesn't mean plentiful forever.
no subject
( That topic hits close to home. The whole scenario has, if Chloe is honest. )
By what definition is a 'monster', anyway?
( With how quietly it's said, it's unclear if she's speaking to Sephiroth or only wondering to herself. )
no subject
[Of course he hears that last question, but he doesn't address it directly.]
It's basic survival. There's no need to wax philosophical about it.
no subject
( Oh, there's plenty of need for Chloe to wax philosophical about it. Only the deeper she goes into the debate, the more she starts to wish she hadn't. It has nothing to do with them not seeing eye-to-eye or a reluctance to trade ideas in general and entirely to do with it evoking the emotions she does not want to feel. )
You just... can't.
( A truly spectacular closing statement. He's finally granted silence afterwards. )
no subject
[He really does not understand why she cares so much. One, they're monsters. Two, these people have nothing to do with them. Three, they'll be gone in a few months.
At least his response implies that he doesn't plan to go on a bug massacre.]
no subject
( And helping now won't make up for the sins of the past. Stopping a bunch of overgrown insects snacking on villagers doesn't make up for doing precious little when her creator made his machinations to start a war between humans and androids.
A war humans were never supposed to win. Never destined to.
But at least Sephiroth doesn't seem as intent on wiping out the mantises. That's something.
She falls quiet again for the last part of the journey. Their return back to the village is anything but quiet. The sobbing mother is sobbing anew, now with tears of joy. Villagers crowd around them to give gushing thanks and celebrate the return of the teenager.
Chloe does her best to throw herself in the path of the touchy-feely displays of gratitude as she doubts being embraced by emotional villagers is going to please Sephiroth at all. )
no subject
Maybe a couple people separate from the crowd to try to speak to him, but he's striding back towards the temple, giving them dismissive answers, or warning glares if he must.
Already thinking about how at least he can use those brightly colored fabrics to clean off some of the bug guts.]
no subject
Unsure if she was meant to or not, she catches up to Sephiroth regardless. )
I'll look for the tools to fix your robe now, if you'd like?
no subject
You don't want to enjoy the accolades?
no subject
( There's a tiny smile from her. It's more to help herself feel more settled than anything else. At least they're back in the village with its pretty Temple, pretty flowers and pretty atmosphere. With all the messiness - both literal and metaphorical - of the mantises behind them, Chloe feels she might be able to find ease again. )
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