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polymods ([personal profile] polymods) wrote in [community profile] polylogs2021-08-02 02:05 pm

Eternal Summer

POLYMYTHOS: THE ISLE THAT BLOOMS

The Isle That Blooms


Ⅰ. ALWAYS BLOOMING, NEVER HARVEST
July flowers bring, well, August flowers.

Another month has come and gone, and you may have noticed things haven’t changed much. Everything is still beautiful. There are still no signs of babies or prepubescent children or young animals.

In fact, if you’re paying close enough attention, you may have noticed there are no fruits or grains or vegetables that have come from the constant riot of color and pollen. Only flowers, always flowers.

You still have access to the city’s temple and the baths. The High Temple’s doors are open to everyone.

Some of you may still be dealing with the unpleasant side effects of the Ancient’s now dead and gone Flower Oracle, but it should wind down before the end of the month. Or maybe you already faced your demons.

Hiding out in the Temples for the rest of the month is always an option, but be careful not to get too stagnant. It would be a shame if your ScryWatch stays stuck on the same color forever because you, too, decided to stop growing.



Ⅱ. FLOWER MARKET FESTIVAL
CW: Optional Alcohol/Drug Consumption.
You didn’t think the celebrations would be over just because the Flower Oracle came and went, did you? There’s always a new event, a new thing to do, a new way to make some benefit off the Travelers who pass in and out of the Isle looking to take something away from this place.

This month it’s the Flower Market!

During the days, stalls bloom beneath the elevated buildings and in the empty center where the Flower Oracle once stood. There are flowers, of course, in buckets, arrangements, wreaths, crowns, growing in tiny little pots, made into cakes, salsas, and snacks! Artists will find pigments, paints, inks, dyes, and papers. There are perfumes, lotions, oils, soaps, and more. Spices and herbs are abundant; you’ve certainly never seen saffron this cheap. If you haven’t gotten enough tie-dye from the temple, you’ll find beautiful batik clothing, purses, and even jewelry. Everything is bright, everything is for sale.

At night, the stalls are all folded away and instruments come out. Little stalls sell flowery alcoholic drinks and did you know or remember that cannabis is a flowering plant? The locals certainly remembered to make the edibles. Careful, though, drink or imbibe and you’ll find yourself talking about the things you need that you cannot buy. The things you are aching for.

And you won’t stop until someone acknowledges it.

Notes:
1. If you want it and it’s made of flowers, it’s here. No drugs or alcohol during daylight hours.

2. The Temple gives a small amount of spending money daily. Save up and get fancy, or buy a little bit of everything.

3. There is a tiny group of unknown Travelers that show up for the market. They don’t seem to have access to the same network as PCs, but their watches flash green, blue, or purple. They seem to be avoiding PC Travelers and disappear into parts of the Temples that don’t seem to be open to our group yet whenever they get too close.



Ⅲ. POISON GARDEN
CW: Poisons, narcotics, ect.
As you wander the now familiar village, you will notice a new pathway has opened at the edge of the village. It leads to an area with a high stone fence and a heavy gate. A skull and crossbones are painted on the gate in bright white paint, but there’s nothing actually stopping you from opening the gate and walking in.

The garden is beautiful, but surprisingly formal after the chaotic abundance of the rest of the Isle. The paths are wide and there’s space between the plants. Each one is meticulously labeled with a stake in the ground.

Do you read the labels? How long does it take you to realize everything in the garden is toxic or poisonous? There are so many options from hemlock and oleander to aconitum and angel’s trumpet and beyond.

Welcome to a study on how not everything that's natural is good for you as you continue to wander the fractal paths. Of course, not everything that's poisonous has no purpose. By the opium poppies there’s a sign that tells you that you can choose to wander the deadly garden until it kills you or you can own up to a toxic habit or behavior that you need to deal with.

Notes:
1. In theory, a character could wander forever without touching or consuming any of the poisons. For plot/fun reasons, feel free to make it a little more difficult. And remember, some of your characters can be poisoned to death.

2. Acknowledging bad habits or a need for change in an honest way is very likely to result in a shift in a ScryWatch color. Remember, the Ancient is looking for growth and improvement, not moral perfection.

3. Characters can collect poisonous or medicinal plants but will be at risk while doing so.



Ⅳ. FLOWERY FIELDS FOREVER
Maybe you need to get away from the fuss at the market or just want to stretch your legs, but it’s time to explore the flowering landscape around the village. The villagers have baskets waiting at each of the outbound trails with the request that you come back with the basket full in trade for the picnic lunch they provide.

Wander the rolling hills and you’ll find a surprising amount of wildlife for an island without offspring. There are hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas, tiny pollinating bats, nectar eating possums, giant stingless bees, and more butterflies than you can shake a stick at. All of them seem entirely unafraid of humans despite being wild animals. If you get bitten or pecked, it’s your own fault.

As you fill your basket, you’ll notice patterns in what blooms. All kinds of plants bloom outside of reason and season and traditional need because the land is trying to talk to you through flowers. What did you need to hear? The villagers can help you translate when you come back from your adventure.

Notes:
1. The giant orchid mantises are still there! Thank Gideon and Harrow for negotiating a truce, so they probably won’t eat you. A mantis might even have a conversation with you if you ask nicely, (Quentin managed somehow,) and they have their own knowledge and worship of the Ancient.

2. Feel free to use any reference for plant/flower meaning. Here’s one to get started!

3. Don’t get too attached to any of the critters, they will stay here at the end of the month.

Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.


Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

quire: (nerrrrrrrd)

[personal profile] quire 2021-08-12 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
"They've got degrees," he points out. "Like I'm sure they're qualified. As much as anyone is qualified for talking someone through their own resurrection. they're also just... I dunno. Small world problems. Nobody wants their proctologist for a neighbour."

And then just like that he realizes he's probably entertained this idea too long. "I don't need it anyway. There's nothing broken in my brain I can't fix myself."
kyley_b: art uncredited - pm me if you know (kyley-b!)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, I believe it." Which he does.

Kyle goes bright red, but when he looks at Quentin his gaze is furiously bright. "For you, sure," he admits.
kyley_b: (RL tied)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
"Not to you, you want her to like... squish you or something."

Kyle nods, which loses some effect since he's laying down. "Yeah. Or like just magic or whatever."
extrasensory_problems: (up_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't want her to squish me." He says but can't help it when his mouth twitches up into a slanted grin. "She picked me up the other night though, like literally picked me up with one arm. It was so hot."

"I don't think so? If they were wouldn't we all be suppressing awkward boners?"
quire: (smooch)

[personal profile] quire 2021-08-12 06:17 am (UTC)(link)
It's not merely a new experience because Kyle outsizes him by several inches and a few pounds. Not even just because he finds himself enjoying the way the faint grit of facial hair on Kyle's chin feels. Perhaps most novel thing for Quentin here is being pursued so plainly as Kyle does. He's done a lot of chasing but rarely ever been chased himself. For a guy who craves attention it's intoxicating.

"Heh. Smooth," he teases and rolls his lips together tasting Kyle on his mouth. He turns himself to the side to see Kyle straight on and places his hands on either side of his head, holding him where he wants him when he kisses him again.
kyley_b: (RL chillin)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Okay, you know that's a kink, right? Like live your truth, dude, but don't lie to yourself."

He gestures like maybe the kink thing supports his theory, but then sighs. "Maybe. Okay. So probably not. You're just generally thirsty for her."
extrasensory_problems: (cute curious)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Can you stop phrasing it like that? It makes it sound like I only like her body." He asks gently, "I like her, as in all of her. She's really smart and cool."
extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
Carter snort laughs at the comparison between Xavier and a proctologist. He thinks it's a pretty accurate one, seeing how Xavier is full of bullshit.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to imply that your brain was broken. I just assume that dying multiple times would cause some PTSD and trauma."
kyley_b: art uncredited - pm me if you know (snugs)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
Kyle doesn't feel very smooth, but he does feel very, very lucky. And when Quentin holds his head like that he practically melts.

Quentin's focus is on him, and only him. He tastes good, and when Kyle's hands find Quentin's back it feels strong enough to dig into.

He's not entirely sure when he started to be forced back, but he becomes aware he's about to wind up on his back under the onslaught of Quentin's tongue.
kyley_b: (RL comfy sweater)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 06:32 am (UTC)(link)
"I know that," Kyle says irritably. "But that makes you no less kinky.

"Look. I support you in your romantic endeavors, okay?"
extrasensory_problems: (cute curious)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 06:43 am (UTC)(link)
Carter raises an eyebrow at Kyle's snippy remark and goes silent for a moment before finally responding.

"Okay."
kyley_b: (RL comfy sweater)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
Kyle sighs and sits up.

"I'm sorry. I DO know, though. You know I get it, we both like people first and fucking second. I'm sorry."
extrasensory_problems: (mmmaaaaaybe)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
"Apology accepted, thank you." He says, his face softening.

"So are you going to tell me what's bugging you? You ran over here in a panic."
kyley_b: https://mcnuggyy.tumblr.com/ (gah!)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
Kyle goes pink and flops back down. "Nothing. I was just wondering about the island."
extrasensory_problems: (cute curious)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
"Uh huhn. Sure. You know you're a crappy liar right? I don't even have to be a telepath to know when you're lying."
dothelokimotion: (You are indistinguishable from a fire)

[personal profile] dothelokimotion 2021-08-12 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ loki just shakes his head with a low huff. ]
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-08-12 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[That gets him a slight smile, because this is the first time Sephiroth's heard anyone else complain about the flowers. He's... never legitimately taken a vacation, but he makes a hum of agreement.]

The insects weren't even a challenge, and the "library"... [He shakes his head. It doesn't deserve the name.]
quire: (smooch)

[personal profile] quire 2021-08-12 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Shamelessly making out with Kyle is cathartic in a way Quentin didn't expect to find here. It does more for his temper than the aura of this calming island which, while it has taken the edge of his wrathfulness, has not slowed his mind down at all.

When Kyle keels over with his back on the ground Quentin follows. Slinging his leg over Kyle's hips to perch himself on his partner's thighs and hunker over to kiss him all the more.

"I can't believe you didn't get any second dates. You're a good kisser," he smiles.
kyley_b: https://burquillos.tumblr.com/ (ugggh)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay, I WAS wondering, but that's not all.

"Uh. I mighta sorta maybe. Okay, you accused me of like... maybe acting irrationally about someone..."
extrasensory_problems: (up_smile)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-08-12 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
He smirks and nods, "No offence but you act irrationally about a lot of people and things. But please, go on."
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-08-12 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm not objecting because I'm not expecting success. And if you really want to make your time here longer, that's on you, not me."

David expected this could well negatively impact the man's Scrywatch, and he supposed it wasn't his business. As for David's, it was absolutely an unmistakable shade of yellow. At least he was relatively good, yes? He wasn't even trying to hide it.
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-08-12 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Excuse him while he stares at you, Jean-Paul. And then points a finger in your face.

"You shouldn't flirt with me because you're married. The age thing is a stupid point," David counters. "Akihiro is old enough to be your grandfather, so don't give me the age thing."

How is he doing otherwise? David sighs. It's not good, if he's honest.

"The flowers are giving me a headache. And then, for spite, plants good for treating headaches show up. I fucking hate it."
kyley_b: https://mcnuggyy.tumblr.com/ (coy)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"I give pretty good head, too," Kyle supplies before his brain can stop him. He slips his arms around Quentin's neck.

"But, you know. Hookup apps. You kiss good, too."

Something he intends to enjoy again, clearly, since finds his mouth once more. Having Quentin's tongue against his and his body resting warmly on his has inevitable and predictable effects on his dick before long.
helpdesk_hero: David Alleyne  / Prodigy - From Young Avengers (Default)

[personal profile] helpdesk_hero 2021-08-12 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Kyle was probably too stubborn for his own good.

"Sing?" he asked, then shook his head. "Picking up other people's skills doesn't guarantee that my body can perform the act. So no, I don't sing."
kyley_b: (RL stubborn)

[personal profile] kyley_b 2021-08-12 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do not!" Kyle looks genuinely affronted. "I'm logical, I'm just like... passionate." He really believes that, too.

"Look. I might have like... sorta... hooked up with someone."