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TDM #3
TDM #3
DREAMING (new characters)
At first, there is nothing. You are nothing. Whatever existed before ceases to be if for a moment. Then, bit by bit, you start to become aware. Where there was not even darkness now is a dim haze, gentle and almost mist-like. You have limbs again and beneath your feet lays a path of light reaching out like limbs of a great tree beneath you, twisting and climbing out into the horizon.You take a step forward for what else is there to do? As you walk you begin to remember what it was you were doing before the nothingness; maybe something as simple as chatting with a loved one or close friend. Maybe you were just beginning a great journey or facing off against an old foe. Whatever it was, you get the distinct feeling that wherever and whenever that was, it is not here. Not now.
The path of light twists off into different directions. When you look up you can see that it is not a sky above you but the sky of everything, a grand cosmic tapestry littered with not mere stars but galaxies and clusters of galaxies that gleam like crystals against the velvety backdrop of space. Admire it for a moment, if you will. You don't know how long you will drift here, but you are not alone. Other wanderers will come and go as you bask together in the vastness of creation.
It seems to you that there are two paths to walk in this place, the light and dark beckoning in turn.
❖ THE LIGHT AT THE CENTER
One leads you to the center, splintered fragments folding together and colliding until only one thing remains: a light that speaks to you with the voice of all there is and has ever been. It greets you simultaneously as an old friend and as a lost child, both rejoicing in and mourning your arrival. You remember it too, somehow, with a feeling of complex nostalgia, as if returning to a place recalled from your distant childhood.
You’ll feel the same of the other wanderers that join you in the light; you know their faces, their voices, and as you reflect upon the world of your birth, you may witness fragments of theirs as well. You feel a comradery, then, a synchronicity of thought and emotion. Are the lives of others truly so different from your own? Or are you simply two hands of the same, greater being? Though some individualistic part of you may resist, the longer you spend in the light, the more you will find yourself becoming one with it.
Despite this welcoming call, no matter how eagerly your pursue its embrace, before you can fully submerge yourself in this oneness you will find yourself being torn away. As if seized by the impossibly long, cold arm of a creature unseen, you are plucked from the edge of fulfillment. The last thing you will remember is the sensation of your world, and all the others your experienced here, collapsing into nothingness.
❖ THE DARK OUTSIDE (CW: deep despair, ego death)
The other leads towards the outside, where the splintering becomes so great that the vestiges of reality can do nothing but collapse back into the abyss at the end of everything. As you wander to these barren outskirts, your thoughts will not be drawn to familiarity and oneness, but instead to memories of discontent and waste. The darker the path becomes, the more you find yourself dwelling on life’s disappointments and injustices, of the things about yourself and your world you find wanting.
If you see others here, at first they will feel frightening or contemptible, as if representing to you the worst experiences in your life. Even if they are someone you’re certain you know, that familiarity and affection will be stripped away in the face of the great emptiness before you. In the end, you were all the same. In the end, none of this was worth it. If you approach the end together, you may even form a kind of kinship around this acknowledgment, as the need for paranoia and hatred fades.
Slowly, the darkness encroaches, and you can see it devouring all the things you once knew. Memories of your home, of those you loved, dissolve into nothing, and you can only reflect on the barren emptiness in your heart as you see it happen. In your final moments, though, you feel peace with it all, knowing that there was no other way. You step from the edge of the last dwindling fragment of being and are greeted by silence.
❖ THE END
No matter which way you go, you are left with a single impression: you feel the world you came from die. It's a realization that transcends logic or sense; it weighs on your heart and leaves the vestiges of dark memories dancing in your thoughts like motes of ash. It's a memory of your home crumbling away into nothing as if consumed from within by rot. Returned to the void, all that's left to you is to be reborn.
REBIRTH (new characters)
In a new time and place, you awaken. Stirring within a capsule of warmth and isolation your senses will slowly return, only to observe that you are trapped. Your body, as it wakes, is tangled in close, yours eyes unable to open, as if still within the womb. You are held tight in the embrace of something unyielding, so smothering that at first you only have the strength to struggle for moments at a time. Yet, as you persist, the pressure begins to relent in turn; it may take hours, but eventually you will find the purchase to push, to claw, to fight, and it will all give way.The chrysalis surrounding you bends like flesh and cracks like glass. It tears as you force your fingers through, finding liberation one inch at a time, until finally you have emerged. As if having undergone metamorphosis, you feel old and new all at once. You are weak, piteously so, but the markings and scars of your previous life remain. As you slump down upon the smooth cavern stone, you realize that you've just wrenched yourself free of gigantic crystal, though its hollow, shimmering form is now in pieces on account of your passing. Somewhere on your body, a shard of similar material remains embedded.
The cave itself looks almost like the inside of a geode, the walls and ceiling bedazzled with greyish crystal that shines with all the colors of the rainbow. While they vary wildly in size and shape, only a few have grown large enough to hold a form like yours, and you can see the one you just escaped isn't the only one bearing a passenger within. They may have already hatched, or they may still be lingering in stasis. Either way, there's enough time that you may have a chance to speak to yours unexpected peers, or to perhaps to struggle to find something to cover your naked body with. You feel the chill of the open air against your moisture laden skin, a distant light trickling in through the cavern's opening.
Make the most of this time. It won't be long before you're interrupted.
[Mod Note: If you don't want to deal with your character being naked in front of the others at that location, feel free to assume they emerge at a different time than the others of their legacy. Characters will be 'hatching' over a period of several hours.]
DREAMING (OLD CHARACTERS)
For those already in Horos, they will find themselves in the same dreamscape as the new arrivals, only, this time, it's familiar. You'll feel more cognizant of your surroundings as you reawaken in this psychedelic realm, more in control of your emotions. What's more, you recognize that light at the center and the darkness at the edge: it's the Pleroma and Kenoma respectively. The one you are attuned to will call our to your soul, and though you are technically free to wander as you please, the closer you get to the force of your opposite sect, the more it will grate against you spiritually. Pleroma attuned nearing the Kenoma will feel as if its presence is desperately trying to tear them apart, and Kenoma attuned nearing the Pleroma will feel as if its light is burning them from the inside out.
More importantly, you notice that entirely new souls are wandering here with faces you didn't see in the cavern. It gradually becomes clear that they are Aions in the same state you were prior to your rebirth, lost and wandering this stretch of the cosmos with no idea what's to come. Maybe this is your chance to ease the confusion of their arrival, or maybe you'd simply like to scope out what kind of people are on their way. It's also possible for you to run into Aions already in Horos, wandering just like you are. Unfortunately, things are a lot less neutral than they are the last time you shared this realm.
No matter what you do, eventually the cosmos above will begin to burn out, just as it did the first time you were here. As darkness swallows reality itself, you will wake with the visceral memory of your world corrupting and breaking apart.
More importantly, you notice that entirely new souls are wandering here with faces you didn't see in the cavern. It gradually becomes clear that they are Aions in the same state you were prior to your rebirth, lost and wandering this stretch of the cosmos with no idea what's to come. Maybe this is your chance to ease the confusion of their arrival, or maybe you'd simply like to scope out what kind of people are on their way. It's also possible for you to run into Aions already in Horos, wandering just like you are. Unfortunately, things are a lot less neutral than they are the last time you shared this realm.
No matter what you do, eventually the cosmos above will begin to burn out, just as it did the first time you were here. As darkness swallows reality itself, you will wake with the visceral memory of your world corrupting and breaking apart.
SEARCHING (OLD CHARACTERS)
Soon after the dreams begin, it will become clear that the Aion NPCs of either sect are also aware of what's happening. For those in Achamoth and Greentruth, the imminent arrival of new Aions will become a matter of official discussion. All able Aions will be called upon for their aid, in whatever way they can offer. Getting to the shrines themselves will be easily accomplished via teleportation. What's would be more complicated is ferrying any new arrivals back to a secure location. Thankfully, this is something both sects have already prepared for. All characters will have the opportunity to acquire a 'returning stone' if they don't already have one. In all cases, this will amount to an amulet made of the same shimmering material as the shrine monuments, though the stylization differs between the Pleroma and the Kenoma. While regular Aion teleportation can bring you to any of the shrines you know the sigil and location of, a returning stone is magically programmed to bring its wearer back to a specific destination to which it is attuned. Normally, these stones will only be able to store enough energy for one 'return' a month, but it turns out that the ambient power created by the shrines being active will temporarily super charge them. Though it's not guaranteed, this means they may generate enough energy to perform multiple returns for TDM purposes. More information about returning stones can be found on the powers page.
Spare returning stones will be issued to all Aions so that they can be used to bring back anyone they collect, as it's possible to bring someone alongside you if they are also wearing a returning stone. Where your stone leads will depend on your sect.
❖ PLEROMA
Tehri will be the one to supply returning stones, based out of Greentruth. She will not travel to Godsblood to deliver returning stones to those that have not visited Greentruth, but it can be assumed that Greentruth's visitors can pass them along to anyone who has been staying in the city. The returning stones are set to bring them to a secure location beneath the water of Godsblood's coast. From there, new arrivals will have to be allowed to rest and then brought up into the city when they're ready.
Greentruth is limited in its resources, but it will attempt to send troops to the Innocent, Seeker, Wanderer, and Firebrand shrines, all of which are close to the forest. Compared to the last attempt, these troops are a bit better armored. Meanwhile, bolstered by recent events in Godsblood, bands of Resistance members and guerrilla fighters will turn up at the Artisan and Sovereign shrines. The Resistance members will work willingly alongside with the Pleroma Aions, but the guerrilla fighters seem to have their own priorities and that is mostly that they have a beef with the Achamites. These reinforcements will struggle against powered Aions, but they might be able to delay any troops sent by Achamoth or Hylici.
❖ KENOMA
Xishen will be handing out returning stones to all Kenoma the day after the dreams begin for the Aions that don't already have one. She'll explain how to use them, and state that the Regent expects for them to head to the shrines once they become fully active. The Kenoma will have whatever mundane weapons or supplies they need at their disposal for this mission, along with minimal Achamite reinforcements. Due to injuries and death in both Godsblood and Venera, many are in recovery or on their return to Achamoth. She'll reiterate not to rely too heavily on them; after all, only the Aions are able to quickly move between the shrines and at the Citadel. The regular troops will have to be deployed by river or by land, and mobilizing them will take time. They will feasible be able to reach all of the shrines to some degree or another, but will more easily populate the shrines of the Martyr, Celebrant, Lover, Champion, Visionary, Sovereign, and Firebrand.
The Hylicians will be called to fill in the ranks of the diminished Achamite troops. They follow the orders that they are given but are very standoffish otherwise, even more than usual for them. Xishen herself says she will be traveling to the shrines and the Kenoma will be expected to communicate their movements to her as they work. Dionys remains in Achamoth to 'keep watch'. All Kenoma Aions will be given a familiar vial of black sludge, and are instructed to feed it to any Aions they capture at the shrines. It will cause the same effects it did in the cavern, though it will resolve in a few days rather than a week.
RETURNED (ALL CHARACTERS)
New characters that are found a the shrines will be brought back to one of two lodestones, depending on which sect they are taken by. This will be accomplished by their escort putting a 'returning stone' around their neck that will enable them to be teleported to a secure area in their sect's territory. It is advised for your character to be taken by whichever sect you'd like them to end up in.
❖ TO THE PLEROMA
In a dazzling flash of psychedelic light, you will find yourself brought to the Pleroma's lodestone: a monolithic rock set in the center of temple-like ruins. The entire cavern is hidden away beneath the ocean waves, just outside of Godsblood, and the ceiling itself is comprised of nothing but a barrier of water, as if held back from filling the space by some unknown force. The waters surrounding the lodestone are exactly body temperature, with swarms of tiny, violently iridescent fish darting through it. Crabs that look as if they're made of pure, clear crystal wander the sparkling, sandy shores.
There isn't much here in the way of accommodations, but it's comfortable enough that the new arrivals brought in by the Pleroma can take a moment to catch their breath. Some relatively plain but assorted new clothing will have been brought to the cavern to make sure they are actually clothed, as well as blankets and basic food items. It's a good time to ask your questions, or if you are an established Pleroma, to help out your freshly arrived peers. After all, their welcome at the shrine may have been a confusing one.
New arrivals will be permitted to leave the lodestone's temple when they are ready. Unfortunately, the only ways out of these place are through your choice of either swimming through pockets of water that eventually lead to the surface, or by spelunking through a series of tunnels to make your way the cliff faces near the city of Godsblood. More information about the city itself can be found on the setting page, though it would be preferable to keep TDM interactions to the lodestone area. As characters emerging from the shrines will start our as Untouched (more info about attunements here) they will not be permitted entry into Greentruth until they have attuned to Pleroma.
❖ TO THE KENOMA
As your returning stone activates, you will feel yourself thrust into a suffocating void, only to emerge just as quickly somewhere else. The most pressing thing on the minds of anyone taken by the Kenoma will be the vial of pitch black sludge they are forced to drink, whether it is before or after their arrival. Maybe their 'escort' from the shrine gave it to them, or perhaps another Kenoma does soon after they arrive. If not, one of the Achamite cultists wandering around definitely will. Dedicated servants to the Regent's will as they are, they are not afraid to gang up on the vulnerable new arrivals and force it down their throats.
Once in your mouth, the potion will slither down your throat as if it's a living thing. The effect takes hold quickly: as this darkness creeps through your insides, it will embolden your darkest and most despair inducing emotions, plaguing your thoughts with the worst sorrows of your life. What's worst, it simultaneously seems to awaken some form of enhanced psychic empathy within you, both projecting your thoughts for others to hear, and allowing you to receive those of the others around you in kind. Black ooze will begin to seep from orifices, or the space around your shard. The effects of this contamination bring out your worst, and its recipients will be forced to live with these effects until they accept the force corrupting them into their souls.
This world is not good enough, a voice speaks to your through the Kenoma. This suffering you feel, the cruelty that has birthed this darkness in you... it is simply the rot that is consuming this existence. A better universe awaits, one forged by your own hand, and all you need do is first bring about this broken reality's end.
How long this goes on will depend on how long the characters is able to fight it. Acceptance of the Kenoma can come as quickly as immediately, if your character is inclined towards it, or it could be drawn out to take a few days. In the meantime, they will have to stay in the barren halls surrounding the Regent's lodestone, and will not be permitted to exit into the greater Citadel as the current Kenoma are. All that will immediately be offered to them down there are stone slabs that can be used as beds and formless white robes that reach down past their knees.
Of course, that doesn't mean the characters that are already of the Kenoma can't do something about that. If they desire it, they will be able to bring food or other supplies to those suffering with their Kenoma infections, and it will be equally within their power to try anything from bullying them into accepting to lovebombing them. Once a character accepts the Kenoma and attunes to it, they will be permitted to leave, but for the sake of the TDM interactions should be kept to the lodestone area.
❖ TO THE PLEROMAIn a dazzling flash of psychedelic light, you will find yourself brought to the Pleroma's lodestone: a monolithic rock set in the center of temple-like ruins. The entire cavern is hidden away beneath the ocean waves, just outside of Godsblood, and the ceiling itself is comprised of nothing but a barrier of water, as if held back from filling the space by some unknown force. The waters surrounding the lodestone are exactly body temperature, with swarms of tiny, violently iridescent fish darting through it. Crabs that look as if they're made of pure, clear crystal wander the sparkling, sandy shores.
There isn't much here in the way of accommodations, but it's comfortable enough that the new arrivals brought in by the Pleroma can take a moment to catch their breath. Some relatively plain but assorted new clothing will have been brought to the cavern to make sure they are actually clothed, as well as blankets and basic food items. It's a good time to ask your questions, or if you are an established Pleroma, to help out your freshly arrived peers. After all, their welcome at the shrine may have been a confusing one.
New arrivals will be permitted to leave the lodestone's temple when they are ready. Unfortunately, the only ways out of these place are through your choice of either swimming through pockets of water that eventually lead to the surface, or by spelunking through a series of tunnels to make your way the cliff faces near the city of Godsblood. More information about the city itself can be found on the setting page, though it would be preferable to keep TDM interactions to the lodestone area. As characters emerging from the shrines will start our as Untouched (more info about attunements here) they will not be permitted entry into Greentruth until they have attuned to Pleroma.
❖ TO THE KENOMAAs your returning stone activates, you will feel yourself thrust into a suffocating void, only to emerge just as quickly somewhere else. The most pressing thing on the minds of anyone taken by the Kenoma will be the vial of pitch black sludge they are forced to drink, whether it is before or after their arrival. Maybe their 'escort' from the shrine gave it to them, or perhaps another Kenoma does soon after they arrive. If not, one of the Achamite cultists wandering around definitely will. Dedicated servants to the Regent's will as they are, they are not afraid to gang up on the vulnerable new arrivals and force it down their throats.
Once in your mouth, the potion will slither down your throat as if it's a living thing. The effect takes hold quickly: as this darkness creeps through your insides, it will embolden your darkest and most despair inducing emotions, plaguing your thoughts with the worst sorrows of your life. What's worst, it simultaneously seems to awaken some form of enhanced psychic empathy within you, both projecting your thoughts for others to hear, and allowing you to receive those of the others around you in kind. Black ooze will begin to seep from orifices, or the space around your shard. The effects of this contamination bring out your worst, and its recipients will be forced to live with these effects until they accept the force corrupting them into their souls.
This world is not good enough, a voice speaks to your through the Kenoma. This suffering you feel, the cruelty that has birthed this darkness in you... it is simply the rot that is consuming this existence. A better universe awaits, one forged by your own hand, and all you need do is first bring about this broken reality's end.
How long this goes on will depend on how long the characters is able to fight it. Acceptance of the Kenoma can come as quickly as immediately, if your character is inclined towards it, or it could be drawn out to take a few days. In the meantime, they will have to stay in the barren halls surrounding the Regent's lodestone, and will not be permitted to exit into the greater Citadel as the current Kenoma are. All that will immediately be offered to them down there are stone slabs that can be used as beds and formless white robes that reach down past their knees.
Of course, that doesn't mean the characters that are already of the Kenoma can't do something about that. If they desire it, they will be able to bring food or other supplies to those suffering with their Kenoma infections, and it will be equally within their power to try anything from bullying them into accepting to lovebombing them. Once a character accepts the Kenoma and attunes to it, they will be permitted to leave, but for the sake of the TDM interactions should be kept to the lodestone area.
QUESTIONS
Is this TDM canon?
Mostly! It's part of an in-game event. However, only threads with new players that app and are accepted will be considered game canon. Threads between old characters will all be canon, but threads involving new characters that don't apply or aren't accepted will either need to be tweaked to remove their involvement or made non-canon. New characters will also be able to decide TDM threads aren't canon if they end up changing directions.
Who can toplevel on this post?
Anyone, whether they are a new character or a current one. However, we do ask for current players to do their best to tag new characters. If you are bringing in a new character and want a current character to bring them into your sect of choice, post your request here! ICly, current characters are fighting to claim new arrivals, but it's up to the player of new characters where they ultimately end up going.
When is this TDM taking place chronologically?
The beginning of August. The shrines will be active and forming Aions during that time. The dreams will start around the 29th of July. All current Aions will be able to sense when it's time for the new arrivals to start emerging.
What are the shrines like?
Every shrine is comprised of the crystal-filled cavern character emerge inside and then the massive statue symbolizing the relevant Legacy built on top. More information about each shrine can be found in the "Aion Shrine" section of the setting page.
Are everyone's homeworlds really gone?
That's a complicated issue, and while the fate of their world is not without hope, they may certainly get the impression its been destroyed from the dream they had. Alternatively, they may refuse to believe what they felt and attempt to dismiss it as only a vision. More about this situation will be revealed as the game goes on.
Can I only experience one end of the dream sequence prompt?
New characters may experience one ending, both endings, or neither. If they experience both they will struggle to recall which came first or which feels the most 'true' to them, as both will simultaneously be the thought they are reborn with. If your character refuses to pursue either path they can simply linger in the middle until the infinite worlds above them start being extinguished one by one, eventually expelling them into darkness in a similar style to the light prompt. Which dreams they experience will not dictate their initial sect affiliation.
Is it possible to pull another character back from the end of the light or darkness dreams?
Yes! If your character is able to resist the pull of either end, they will have the chance to try to pull another character back from the edge of the abyss or the edge of oneness. Whether or not they succeed is entirely up to the other character, though.
Do you come out of the chrysalis wet?
For most intents and purposes it's the same experience as hatching out of a real butterfly chrysalis, so yes, a bit.
How does attunement to the Pleroma or Kenoma work for new characters?
More information about sect attunements can be read on their dedicated info page, but in summary: when new characters are brought to Horos, they will be in the state of being "Untouched" meaning they are not attuned to either sect. By the end of their first month in game it is expected they will either attune to Pleroma or Kenoma, though for those taken by the Kenoma's forces, the transition will be forced within the first few days. If taken in by the Pleroma, it may take then some time to attune to Pleroma, depending on the strength of their spirit, but it could also happen almost instantly if they are allowed to. How quickly it happens will depend on how strongly they align with the Pleroma's traits. Characters who have been taken by the Pleroma but that remain Untouched will not be allowed into Greentruth until their attunement to Pleroma is complete.
Can a character taken by one side end up attuning to the sect of the opposite one?
This is theoretically possible, yes: a person taken by the Kenoma could potentially resist the Kenoma's call, and someone taken by the Pleroma could end up falling to the Kenoma while staying with them. Generally, though, we recommend that you have your character be taken by whichever sect you want to end up in, as doing a switcheroo will cause narrative complications that might bog their introduction down in plotting that will need to be done with the mods. It can happen, but it is not to be done lightly!
Mostly! It's part of an in-game event. However, only threads with new players that app and are accepted will be considered game canon. Threads between old characters will all be canon, but threads involving new characters that don't apply or aren't accepted will either need to be tweaked to remove their involvement or made non-canon. New characters will also be able to decide TDM threads aren't canon if they end up changing directions.
Who can toplevel on this post?
Anyone, whether they are a new character or a current one. However, we do ask for current players to do their best to tag new characters. If you are bringing in a new character and want a current character to bring them into your sect of choice, post your request here! ICly, current characters are fighting to claim new arrivals, but it's up to the player of new characters where they ultimately end up going.
When is this TDM taking place chronologically?
The beginning of August. The shrines will be active and forming Aions during that time. The dreams will start around the 29th of July. All current Aions will be able to sense when it's time for the new arrivals to start emerging.
What are the shrines like?
Every shrine is comprised of the crystal-filled cavern character emerge inside and then the massive statue symbolizing the relevant Legacy built on top. More information about each shrine can be found in the "Aion Shrine" section of the setting page.
Are everyone's homeworlds really gone?
That's a complicated issue, and while the fate of their world is not without hope, they may certainly get the impression its been destroyed from the dream they had. Alternatively, they may refuse to believe what they felt and attempt to dismiss it as only a vision. More about this situation will be revealed as the game goes on.
Can I only experience one end of the dream sequence prompt?
New characters may experience one ending, both endings, or neither. If they experience both they will struggle to recall which came first or which feels the most 'true' to them, as both will simultaneously be the thought they are reborn with. If your character refuses to pursue either path they can simply linger in the middle until the infinite worlds above them start being extinguished one by one, eventually expelling them into darkness in a similar style to the light prompt. Which dreams they experience will not dictate their initial sect affiliation.
Is it possible to pull another character back from the end of the light or darkness dreams?
Yes! If your character is able to resist the pull of either end, they will have the chance to try to pull another character back from the edge of the abyss or the edge of oneness. Whether or not they succeed is entirely up to the other character, though.
Do you come out of the chrysalis wet?
For most intents and purposes it's the same experience as hatching out of a real butterfly chrysalis, so yes, a bit.
How does attunement to the Pleroma or Kenoma work for new characters?
More information about sect attunements can be read on their dedicated info page, but in summary: when new characters are brought to Horos, they will be in the state of being "Untouched" meaning they are not attuned to either sect. By the end of their first month in game it is expected they will either attune to Pleroma or Kenoma, though for those taken by the Kenoma's forces, the transition will be forced within the first few days. If taken in by the Pleroma, it may take then some time to attune to Pleroma, depending on the strength of their spirit, but it could also happen almost instantly if they are allowed to. How quickly it happens will depend on how strongly they align with the Pleroma's traits. Characters who have been taken by the Pleroma but that remain Untouched will not be allowed into Greentruth until their attunement to Pleroma is complete.
Can a character taken by one side end up attuning to the sect of the opposite one?
This is theoretically possible, yes: a person taken by the Kenoma could potentially resist the Kenoma's call, and someone taken by the Pleroma could end up falling to the Kenoma while staying with them. Generally, though, we recommend that you have your character be taken by whichever sect you want to end up in, as doing a switcheroo will cause narrative complications that might bog their introduction down in plotting that will need to be done with the mods. It can happen, but it is not to be done lightly!
no subject
As Howl begins to explain, Sebastian's hand comes up to his chin thoughtfully, though it doesn't take much time at all before the even smile is replaced with an equally thoughtful frown. His expression stays largely even as he listens and takes in the information from them both, save for a quirk of his brow at "Demigods."
...Clearly, there's humor in the universe if anything deigned him anything close to a Demigod, he thinks.
Though whatever question was on his mind to follow-up is very swiftly forgotten as Ciel so casually asks a question that absolutely feels like a trap. ]
I—? [ The thoughtful hand at his chin lowers a fraction as he sputters out half of a syllable, and Sebastian even looks to Howl to see if his reaction would tell him if this is a joke, but. He also feels like waiting too long to answer the question is an answer in itself, isn't it? ]
Well, that is... Quite the forward question indeed.
[ He could lie. It's fully with his capabilities, now that he doesn't have a contract. And yet, ]
...I suppose that word could describe me, yes.
[ In record time, Ciel has discovered that he's easily bullied. Incredible. ]
no subject
I bed your pardon? I do hope you're not accusing me of being some sort of rake. I would never.
[ Pursuing fun and comforts above all else, though...? He's guilty. But she'd chosen a much less diplomatic term, in his opinion. Or at least less diplomatic in Howl's case.
Two can play that game. ]
Now, Martyrs on the other hand... the most annoying sort of busybodies you can imagine. Always sticking their noses into others' business in the name of selfless concern. So very boring, if you ask me.
[ He's not looking at Ciel as he talks, but a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. ]
no subject
Oh no, I don't mean it in a bad way. It's okay to make the enjoyment of life and everything it offers your main source of of motivation going through its motions, and we do live in a city of indulgences where we can generally do whatever we like. But that just goes to show why you are both reborn under the Legacy of the Celebrant, which is pertinent knowledge for a new Aion!
[As for Howl's retort...
He's valid tbh, and she just keeps smiling through it.]
Please, isn't that just me? [Like that Garfield sign, except she knows exactly who it's for.] Father Paul hasn't gotten on your case, now has he? Our senior Aion Xishen, the Regent's right hand woman, leaves us to our own devices too, for the most part. You needn't hold back if you have complaints, I'll always make time to hear you out. But let's save that for later, shall we? It's impolite to get into personal affairs in front of a newly awakened Aion. They're still in dire need of information, we really should be more considerate and mindful. It's never easy to start over somewhere completely new, after you've been thoroughly uprooted from the home world you were used to.
[This is almost like cooking it's kinda fun tbh... What's the exact ratio of banter to useful information to just more confusing ???, actually? Let's throw it all in and find out!!]
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[ Sebastian coughs politely into his hand, though it's also very clearly a gesture to try and regain some of his composure. It also helps that they have a bit of back and forth, though it's not as if it's uninteresting. It brings to mind many more questions, since truly, for every piece of information he is getting, it almost feels as if there's ten more to replace it... He's out of sorts in a way that he's honestly not at all used to. ]
Uprooted indeed... [ He responds to that phrase in particular in a way that's almost to himself more than anything, since he finds it to be an understatement. To say nothing of losing his contract with the young master (a point he is very much trying not to dwell on at the moment, lest he lose his temper), it shouldn't be possible for him to be here in the first place. But clearly, such rules no longer apply. He's here without a proper summoning, after all.
That's more the heart of what he wants to ask, but he's also not exactly willing to reveal his nature so casually. So his question is slightly different, though he also expects it to be given an unsatisfying answer. ]
I suppose then I must ask why? Is there a particular reason that we are here?
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[ Oh no, will that passing reference to Abel upset you, Ciel? It's okay, Howl is confident you can manage.
Speaking of the Pleroma, however, the stranger's next question is perfectly timed. Howl ignores the rest of Ciel's jabs and turns his attention back to the fresh Aion. Narrowing his foggy blue eyes at him, he looks him up and down, as if there may be some secret clue to which side he might be inclined to join. The fact that Howl and Ciel are here to retrieve him almost guarantees that he'll become a future comrade, but there's no guarantee.
As fellow Celebrants, Howl knows they can sense each other's emotions and thoughts, if they want to (and sometimes even when they don't want to). Surely, he'll be able to feel Howl studying him so intensely, but he's fine letting his curiosity be known. He crosses his arms and pays close attention to anything he might be able to sense from the man, but otherwise leaves it to Ciel to answer his question. ]
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[Alas, if Howl is hoping to trigger Ciel in public, she will just throw more unflattering slander towards BOTH of them instead. Pour one out for Abel and Dokja, as pitiful as they objectively are in their own unique Pleromartyr men ways.
Back to their new companion, and she sobers up from her look of lax nonchalance.]
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[A beat, just to watch the red-eyed man take it in.]
Do you remember the dream before this by the way, mister? The one with the light at the center, and the darkness around it? Were you drawn to one side in particular, if you don't mind me asking?
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As Ciel explains, Sebastian's expression becomes more thoughtful, but also sharp as he listens intently. There's also a clear recognition as she says "Pleroma" and "Kenoma" not long after, though he doesn't keep why a secret. ]
Cliché indeed. Whoever may have named things is quite the fan of Gnostic texts.
[ On their own, some of the terms both Howl and Ciel have been using didn't stand out all that much, but when combined with pleroma and kenoma, it's a different matter. It certainly helps to give him a little more of a framework, since the naming schema is so consistent and fitting. ]
But I remember the dream well, yes. It was... [ He trails off lightly as he searches for the word he'd like best, since a few come to mind. A few of them also answer her question, albeit indirectly, but he chooses the most honest. ] —novel, I would say.
[ His answer comes readily, though. Considering the stress that Howl had put on the word when referring to other Martyrs, he doesn't think it's unfair to guess which side these two were hoping for. ]
I chose the abyss. [ "Easily" is the thought that drifts out for Howl. ]
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...Speaking of which. Howl studies him for a second, eyes narrowing, before passing the basket of clothing in his arms to Ciel beside him. Then, he approaches the man with slow steps, arms at his sides. ]
You chose correctly. In that case, we can earnestly welcome you to this world.
[ He stops a few paces in front of the man and retrieves a corked vial from his pants pocket. Inside it is an indiscernible substance, black as tar and sticking to the sides as if it were trying to crawl out. ]
I know this may sound crazy to you, but... here. Drink this.
[ Howl's smile is calm, but there's a numbness in his eyes. The jovial banter from a minute ago has all but left his face and tone of voice, replaced again with the detached sense of tiredness from before, but the confidence and serenity being projected from his mind doesn't falter as he offers the vial. ]
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He's absolutely not ordinary.]
It is a little uncanny, isn't it? Almost like confirming that the roots of human beliefs do overlap across dimensions in some way, no matter how strange and alien our new situation seems.
[And likewise, her expression shifts to a quieter smile once he confirms the Abyss. If he's chosen, then that makes things easier. She does glance at Howl and seems to look pensive for a second as he hands her the basket, but ultimately accepts it and doesn't say anything more. Her companion has stepped up to handle this, so she'll let him do just that, even as he's continuing forward while missing pieces of himself.]
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He glances up from the vial, first to Howl and then to Ciel. The thoughtful gaze has cooled to one that's more openly appraising of both of them, and it's not something he bothers to hide in the slightest. The quiet calm they've both taken on doesn't unnerve him, but it does interest him. ]
The terms, certainly. They are not common ones, and all together, it is quite distinct. But the underlying ideas... Less so. At a certain point, all belief tends to find the same subjects, if not the same conclusions.
[ To Ciel's point first, and he thumbs over the cork of the vial thoughtfully. He then looks to Howl and nods, though his attention is more intensely on him than Ciel. The drop of mood is noted, and it seems like Sebastian is trying to piece together why as if it were something visible. ]
What happens if I drink it?
Howl will go after because Ciel is the Exposition Bot as u know
[If it doesn't sound like a compliment, maybe it's because it isn't one. Just an observation, that's all.]
Since you're already familiar with the terms, the vial contains something that is akin to the Kenoma's essence and attunes you to its power. There may be some temporary side effects that are unpleasant to weather through, though they only drag on if the person struggles and takes longer to accept it into their body for their own reasons. But otherwise, it affirms the Kenoma in you, gives you the same promise it recited to us, and once you've adjusted, abilities you previously possessed will return. Untouched as you are now, you will remain helpless until you attune.
[Any being of power should understand the allure, shouldn't they? This one is definitely and absolutely not a normie, Ciel is quite ready to bet on it even as she smoothly explains an otherwise tricky question. Is she leaving anything out? ...Nothing of import, as far as she's concerned.]
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...and in the spirit of open disclosure, I'd add that drinking it isn't optional.
[ It's the first vaguely threatening thing either he or Ciel has said, but it's true. There are no Pleroma here to stop them from taking this new Aion for the Regent's cause. This man will drink the contents of that vial, whether it's now, voluntarily, or back in Achamoth while being held down by a dozen cultists. ]
thank u expobot
Oh? How kind indeed, for I am nothing if not a fan of honesty.
[ There's humor in his voice, but it's chilly. It's only in response to that light threat, though, since his voice warms again with a laugh as he plucks the cork out of the vial. ]
There is no need to be forceful, however. I suspect it will be a relatively simple process, to be quite honest in return.
[ He shrugs, but with no further preamble, he'll drink the vial without complaint. And indeed, it does go quite quickly. And for the sake of being lazy to not retype basically the exact same thing, Ciel and Howl will get the lovely experience of prompt iii-a in my toplevel lmao ]
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Howl can already tell that this man is going to be a good addition. For the most part, this fact is comforting. The Kenoma need more power. They need to be able to crush their opponents when the next opportunity arises, with as few people harboring secret doubts as possible. But deeper down in his soul, behind the layers of both native and forced pessimism, a chill runs up his spine. He wasn't as quick as Ciel to suspect that his guy is not normal, but he definitely gets it now. ]
...Delicious, you say?
[ Howl's placid smile stays frozen on his face. The Aion hadn't said anything of that sort aloud, but it came through to Howl as clearly as if he had. Ciel probably picked it up too, thanks to the amplifying effects of the sludge, even though she's of a different Legacy. The wizard looks over his shoulder back at her to gauge her reaction. Looks like they found a good one, doesn't it? ]
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Since her allergies aren't picking upIf it feeds on despair though, demons seem like a safe bet. She is quite glad to be a different Legacy too, thank you gentlemen very much, the thrill of thirst/hunger/sadism that comes at enjoying such a morsel is honestly very unpleasant for her to even feel the echoes of. There's almost something akin to a mental shudder on her part, like an intangible form of recoil, but maybe it won't be obvious enough for the Celebrants to pick up so easily. Thus on the surface, Ciel looks the same as before. Not dismayed, not thrilled, just smiling. A little more placid like Howl's, but it'd be hard to tell for anyone who isn't used to how she normally is.Moving on.]
We do deeply appreciate your cooperation, mister. [It was a quick process for her too, though for entirely different reasons than most other people.] Well now, technically all that's left is to give you a returning stone, activate it to take us back to Achamoth, and... You probably won't need to be confined by the lodestone for long, since everyone is free to go once they've fully attuned to the Kenoma. But as everything was resolved so quickly, we could keep talking here or there, it shouldn't make any difference. Was there anything else you wanted to ask?
["Delicious" just chalks this guy to the 'weirdo' category of coworkers she's already very used to, so hardly worth commenting on honestly, at least as far as Ciel is concerned. Now, why does it feel like they missed something obvious? Hm...]
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Ha— Well, I must eat my words slightly, for I would not describe it as simple. [ But also clearly not "uncomfortable", as Ciel had picked ] How intense...
[ He seems to ignore Howl's question at first, and there's a part of him that would pointedly prefer to. Even just a sliver of that truth sneaking out isn't something he particularly likes, and the idea of his thoughts not quite being secretive is unpleasant, to say the least. But he also feels that to avoid it completely would be worse. Sebastian looks at Howl, though it's as he's still wiping at his mouth. Besides being unsightly, he finds the ichor to taste quite unpleasant (somewhat ironically), so he's rather preoccupied with trying to get as much of its remnants out... ]
...My meals tend to run quite a bit lighter than humans', shall we say.
[ He gives that little bit of information hoping that it's a distraction from the main point. Admitting he's not human is much better than admitting the particulars of his diet, he thinks. And besides, as Ciel continues, he nods along, but he does make a light noise in response first. ]
Ah, there is, yes. It is but a trifling matter by comparison, but I believe introductions are in order? Do pardon me for not doing so to start.
[ It's important to him not only because of his sense of manners, but because if these two have seen (and heard) a hint of the monster that's lying underneath the surface, he would very much like to know who they are. He brings a hand to his chest, and in a gesture that seems quite at odds with the situation for its formality and elegance, he dips into a bow. ]
Sebastian Michaelis. It is a pleasure, despite the odd circumstances... You both have my sincerest thanks for your assistance.
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[ He nods his head to him in response to his bow, acknowledging the gesture without resorting to formality himself or including his usual "wizard" title. It feels a bit too strange to bow to a man wearing the fashion equivalent of a large pillow case.
As he retrieves his spare returning stone from the inside of his coat, he glances back at Ciel as she introduces herself. ]
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Is that like saying your meals weight on a scale beyond human measurement?
[that's not what he said, but it's what she's choosing to hear. Your vibes, sir...
...Oh, right! Introductions, that's what they're missing. Her light and conversational demeanor doesn't change, there's definitely something practiced about this routine.]
Not at all, it's okay. We should have done so earlier ourselves, though it is much nicer to make introductions with allies rather than enemies. We thank you for your patience and cooperation, Sebastian. My name is Ciel.
[She gives a dip of her head in a small bow, ultimately choosing to skip the "nice to meet you" part of the pleasantries because it... doesn't fit. It's good to have more allies in this war, sure, but this man is still a shady demon? Way too knowledgable and way too composed, his name sounds like a
nerdycover too. What kind of demonic name is Sebastian Michaelis? Srsly. She does glance back at Howl after, but her wizard companion is probably a lot less judgmental, sooo...]1/2 lmao
Ah, yes. What remains of the universe is definitely playing a joke on him. It's not as if that's a common name. At all. ]
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Of course, Mr. Howl, Miss Ciel. [ They may not seem the types to care all that much about the extra formality, but that's just Sebastian's default at this point. ] I hope that we may work well together in the future, even if this slightly different from my usual line of work.
[ It's definitely a larger scale, if nothing else. His "work" has been so personal and confined to a single soul for centuries now that there was something a bit charmingly novel about the situation, in his opinion. Which, to that question— ]
As for my meals, you are quite correct. Though for what it is worth, you needn't be concerned, if that is why you are asking. I am not the sort to messily devour everything before me, if you will pardon the inelegance of putting it in such a way.
[ and wow his name is very funny and very clever thank you??? (only to demons) ]
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...right, then. [ With a flick of his wrists, he lightly tossed the returning stone to Sebastian. ] Put this around your neck, and I'll escort you to Achamoth. [ He turns his head slightly to address Ciel without taking his eyes off Sebastian. ] Unless you have any objections?
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Chivalrous (???), so now she's just at a mild loss. Blinking a few times, she tilts her head to peer at Sebastian from behind Howl. Then at Howl proper, since he's looking at her. She's fine, see? 🤔]
Yes, likewise. We can tell you more about how things work on Horos later, but as you can see, the shrines are active now, so that means there are others like you we Kenomas have to meet and greet. Can you please go back with Howl, Sebastian? I'll be headed for a different shrine, but I'm sure we'll meet again later at the Citadel.
[Unless he has any other pressing questions now?]
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Do pardon me. Your name simply caught me by surprise, Miss Ciel, as it is uncommon. My... [ He pauses as if half-considering what to say, but it's really more catching himself in not needing to tell the half truth of what his master's name was ] —former master had the same name. And hair color, as a matter of fact...
[ He shakes his head lightly, though it does come with another sigh. Really, what a bother. ]
But, no, we needn't linger further, especially if there is work to be done. Thank you yet again for your information and assistance.
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fakename isn't supposed to be common... It's also French and she is French?Why would a British brat have it anyway??]2/2