![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Eternal Summer
✖ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.
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.
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.
no subject
She notes the sorts of soaps he seems drawn to, ready to make a helpful suggestion or two should it seem apt to do so. The question prompts a sincere, reassuring smile. ) I do. If you're comfortable sharing your thoughts, that is? I don't mean to keep going on if you'd rather not.
no subject
Maybe. [ He shrugs. He's heard a lot of theories about time here and whether or not the people back home know that they're gone. There's also the idea of multiple universes, which means that he and Chloe may not ever be able to meet. ]
I'm drawn to swords both for their artistry and for their lethality. [ Malcolm picks up a sandalwood and cedar soap and and sniffs it. ] Why spend so much time making something so lethal also so beautiful? I think in part it has to do with some cultures' respect for the dead.
no subject
( To avoid interrupting his flow, she doesn't say anything as she selects a vetiver and cedar wood soap and holds it out to him to see what he thinks. ) Would you say there's a respect for one's opponent too?
no subject
I should probably be the one apologizing to you. I guess I'm not used to people being so friendly towards me. Since I haven't been here that long, I can't say that I've made many friends. Except you, maybe?
[ He's hopeful, at least.
Malcolm leans in and smells the soap that she's holding up, then nods his approval. ]
In some cases, yes. Again, particularly in Asian cultures, but there's also the tournaments of Europe... jousting, melee, things like that.
no subject
( She keeps hold of the soap, very content to play personal shopper. ) There seem to be a few of those interesting dichotomies, don't there?
no subject
Malcolm finds himself smiling when she agrees to be his friend. ]
Between cultures, you mean? For all the differences that cultures can have, there are a surprisingly amount of similarities as well. Human nature is the same, regardless of culture.
no subject
The smile at their burgeoning friendship is sweet, and makes her smile in return. )
Oh, I meant the art and the lethality, respecting and honouring enemies... But yes, the cultures too. ( She considers the matter of human nature for a moment. ) Very true. The hardwiring of biology doesn't have any notion of culture, not really, and it's doubtful evolution would ever truly be able to catch up to an ever-changing world. Or are we being more philosophical about it?
no subject
[ He grins at Chloe. Like a lot of men, he's still a little boy when it comes to things like swords. Malcolm decides that he's going to buy the soap and hands the merchant some coins. ]
Let's see if we can find a notebook.
no subject
Well, I like shiny things too. And sparkly things. I’d say less so with the lethal part but I suppose I have some jewellery that could be considered deadly…
( Smiling away, she nods. If she’s been helpful with the soap, she can do the same for finding the right notebook. The little details matter. Or they do to Chloe, anyway. )
Which colours do you like?
no subject
Ooh, deadly jewelry? That sounds interesting. [ He's curious. ] Do you mean like a poison ring?
[ They walk on down the path, Malcolm scanning the booths along the way for one that might be selling notebooks. ]
Blues and greens... though it depends on if you mean my favorite colors to wear or just my favorite colors in general.
no subject
( She's scanning the booths too, though a bit more literally. Catching sight of one that looks promising, and maybe from just a little too far away, she points it out. )
There are some notebooks over there. I was wondering about your favourite colours in general but if you'd like to be more specific, do feel free. Perhaps we'll find you a delightfully loud shirt?
no subject
Malcolm squints ] Are those notebooks? [ The two of them get a bit closer. ] They are. I'm surprised you could see that far.
[ He laughs lightly. ] Loud patterns aren't really my aesthetic. I wear a lot of blues and greys and jewel tones.
no subject
( She brushes aside the observation about her keen eyesight with a smile, for now. But after visiting with the Oracle, didn't she tell herself she was going to be a stronger individual? And it isn't right to keep trying to form friendships under the guise of something she's not, is it?
Well. Fortune favours the brave. Maybe. )
Oh, don't worry, I was only joking about the shirt. My comedic stylings can be a little off because I'm an android, you see. ( It's not biggest reason she struggles with humour but it's a suitable chance to bring up the 'by the way I'm a robot' issue. )
no subject
Really? That explains... [ He shakes his head. ] I wouldn't have realized, honestly.
no subject
I'm sorry to just... drop it on you. I know it's, well, weird.
( The unspoken part is that she hopes they could possibly still become friends. )
no subject
It's okay. It's just surprising. I've never... met an android before.
[ She's surprisingly normal, although she does seem very eager to please. That was the only thing that tipped Malcolm off that she might be different.
Honestly, she might be more normal than Malcolm is. ]
no subject
( Her lips quirk into a half-smile. Until arriving here, the days of people having never encountered an android were long past. )
Though if you have any questions... I don't mind.
no subject
Who created you?
no subject
no subject
[ Is that the right phrase to use? Malcolm's not sure. How weird is it to be essentially a sentient being and know that someone made you? It's like a futuristic 'Frankenstein'. ]
What was his purpose?
no subject
( Weird is a pretty good summation of much of Chloe's existence. Though not so weird to her, having been the one who's lived it. Still, she sounds more like she's spouting PR than detailing an actual lived experience. )
For humans to be able to enjoy more of their lives. No one thinks twice about using a dishwasher or a washing machine over doing those tasks by hand. It's another advancement in how technology can help improve people's lives.
no subject
no subject
You're correct on both fronts. I would agree that there are nuances better suited to human judgement. Generally speaking, an android will look for the optimal outcome. However, that process is subject to programmed protocols. But... it does get more complicated than that.
no subject
Optimal as in easiest, or most logical or most beneficial?
[ Optimal to an android and optimal to a human could be two different things. ]
no subject
(no subject)