Magisteria TDM #3

[magisteriamods]

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Magisteria Test Drive Meme #3

Welcome to a very special edition of Magisteria's TDM! In the first two TDMs, arriving Otherworlders found themselves within a transportation station in High Rise Village, Magisteria's Business District. For this TDM... they will find themselves arriving somewhere quite a bit more unique.

Note: If players prefer to use the set-up/prompts/locations from the first two TDMs, they are free to do so! Mod just gets bored of using the same/very similar material for each TDM, so this is meant to be something entirely new. Current players are highly encouraged to participate, of course! This TDM has ample reward/longterm opportunities for both new and current players.

Mod is currently redoing the pages and adding some pages (Flora/Fauna, The Story So Far), but prospective players are highly encouraged to read The July Plotting Post for information on the details of Magisteria's metaplot which have thus far been revealed! Those details will be alluded to in various parts of this TDM!

Currently, arriving Otherworlders have regained approximately 25% of canon powers. If you have a question as to whether a particular power would work here or be gamebreaking, or HOW a particular power would work in this world, feel free to ask!

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This Time, It’s Different

For the new arrivals to the world of Medeas and its capital, the island city-state of Magisteria (called “The Eternal City,” and “the greatest city in the multiverse”), this journey begins in the same manner as it has begun for other recent waves of arriving Otherworlders: you see a vision of a tree of life that blazes with colors brighter than any you have seen before. In another moment, or perhaps many moments later, you find yourself within a new world, but there is no sense of upheaval – only peace.

This time, however… it is not a station that you and the others find yourselves within. And the person who greets you all is not a teenage girl.

Is it... in fact, a person, at all?

The Forest Spirit Speaks Thus to All Otherworlders

“Greetings, Otherworlders. Your group, like those who came before you, is invited to view the projection that Minister Brennam has prepared for you all. I have had it downloaded into your aXess Link devices. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a demonstration of those devices, as the groups before you were given, but I expect some of your companions might be along soon.

Those who came before you arrived at one of our city’s transportation stations, but you… you have arrived at a far more sacred location.

I am called Gloambristle, and you all now stand within the Central Gardens at the heart of the city-state of Magisteria, capital of the world of Medeas, the first of all worlds.

Long, long ago… before the two wars… before the Enemies of our world arrived from beyond the dimming stars, Medeas was a world of gods and mystical entities, a world bathed in never-ending, gentle twilight, where the spirits roamed the lands and the seas and the skies.

These Central Gardens, properly known as The Elysian Grove, are the only place on the island where many of these ancient spirits now reside.

Today, the gates of the Grove have opened. The invitation is extended: you may enter our world, the world of the ancient native beings of Medeas, those whose existence preceded the Infinity Corridors and the coming of the human and human-like races. Secluded for millennia, these beings know no fear of Otherworlders. They know no suspicion, no anger, no hatred, and they bear no knowledge of war or conflict.

All that is asked of you is that you treat our sacred ancestors with the respect they are due, for it was many of their brethren who, so long ago, gave up their lives that this world and its peoples might have the quantity of Bios that empowers such a glorious city-state.

Those who behave with disrespect within the Elysian Grove will find themselves teleported back into the urban quarters of the city… and the Gates will close behind you. Possibly forevermore.

That said, treat our beloved Ancestors, our First Peoples, with respect, and you shall be Blessed with enchantments that are agnostic with respect to the magic/tech division, the pure power of the Elder Races that dictates communication and interaction with worlds and beings beyond yourselves and your limited frames of reference.”

Your Guides: The Lumens

Description: One of the more common nature spirits, Lumens tend to congregate in more magically-oriented areas of the island but can be found everywhere. Social and curious by nature, they are only seen at night and provide a natural ambience that illuminates the surrounding area. They have been known to follow people that catch their interest and sometimes even make a light trilling sound to gain the attention of others. It is also a special talent of these spirits to find that which is lost. Though they cannot be caught or tamed, more than one lost child or item has been found by a nosy spirit who decided to intervene.

A Guide to the Blessings of the Elysian Grove

These “Blessings” take no stock of the magic/tech division which dominates powers elsewhere in the city-state. The reason for this is that they are not derived from magic formed by conventional Bios, with its many manifestations, but come directly from the pure spiritual power of the ancients. The bioluminescent Bios of the Elysian Grove is to regular Bios what universal background radiation is to the galaxies and stars born long thereafter: echoes, visions of a world from long ago.

As such, this TDM is a chance for arriving Otherworlders and current players to gain all kinds of interesting powers, some of which even have the potential to grow into ultra-special end-game tier abilities!

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How to Qualify for Blessings: Super easy! Reply to a blessing prompt and thread out five (5) comments. [If needed, mod will help players get enough comments for each prompt to ensure everyone qualifies who wants a blessing.] The interactions which acquire the Blessings are quite simple: mostly completing straightforward tasks for the forest spirits.

Each player may thread out/qualify for three (3) blessings! Any player who claims three blessings can add one more thread at the Ceremony (also 5 comments) to receive the Final Blessing, the most powerful blessing of them all. In other words, each player can claim three blessings and add the Final Blessing for a fourth. [20 comments total.]

First Encounter: Nyxaris Sylvantis

A spirit approaches you. It carries a basket of spectral ferns in one hand, and glowing flowers in the other. Around it, there float mystical candles, suspended in mid-air.

“Hello, kind Otherworlders,” the spirit greets you. “I am Nyxaris Sylvantis, the gardener of the Elysian Grove. Tonight, I am picking flowers for our Guardian. You may encounter her, should you venture deep enough within this timeless land. Will you help me with this task, kind Otherworlders?”

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Objective: Help Nyxaris Sylvantis gather Glowshade Ferns and Phantom Lilies.

Possible obstacles: Mischievous little forest spirits love to hide or relocate the flowers as a game, and they’re especially excited to play with Otherworlders. Also, the Grove’s pathways are known to shift as one traverses them, which can make the simple task of collecting the flowers a bit more challenging. Characters might also encounter enchanted vines which guard the places where the flowers grow, or confusing and misleading illusions.

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of the Luminous Bloom: The Nyxaris Sylvantis rewards Otherworlders for their help by gifting them with one of the glowing flowers. This is no ordinary Nightglow, but more like the ancestral spirit of the Nightglows of Magisteria. It can restore light to darkened entities, such as the Shadow Creatures of the Agrarian Enclave, or Nightglow flowers which have dimmed. If used on The Fractured, they will simply cease to function, but in a peaceful, painless manner. Its powers counteract whatever these dark [still mysterious] anti-Bios forces are that Otherworlders have begun to encounter. HOWEVER, the Luminous Bloom’s light-gifting powers will deplete if used 4-5 times, so use wisely, Otherworlders!

The Luminous Bloom is also said to be able to light the pathways of Absolute Darkness, the great nether regions of Magisteria wherein dwell things composed of overwhelming, unfathomable darkness that can drive the mind of a human to madness. Otherworlders who acquire this Blessing will want to keep it for possible end-game reasons, as it will be a candle allowing them to traverse the abysses where none can tread without assistance.

The Night Procession: Glimmerpelt, Twinklekin, and Forest Ghosts

As you progress deeper into the Grove, you begin to encounter the night procession of the animal forest spirits. You encounter a Glimmerpelt, the ancestral spirit of Magisteria’s red panda, a group of Twinklekin, and a forest ghost owl sitting atop a forest ghost deer.

The deer and the Glimmerpelt approach in soft, ambling steps to sniff you out, and the Twinklekin jump from their branches and gather around you with a chorus of excited squeaking sounds.

“<< Otherworlders! Otherworlders! >>” the Twinklekin chatter/exclaim. “<< Play with us, Otherworlders! >>”

“Can you tell us a story, kind Otherworlders?” the Glimmerpelt asks. “Can you tell us about the goings-on of our city-state, beyond the walls of the Gardens? Are the animals in Magisteria still loved and well-cared for by the humans? Can you tell us of the animals you have loved, or a story about a heroic animal?”

Finally, the deer and the owl both look at you imploringly: “Kind Otherworlders, we are on a journey to the Heart of the Grove, to re-unite with the Owl Forged By Night and the Quintessence Deer. We are very hungry and crave the golden acorns and the moonlight berries. Will you accompany us on our journey?”

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Objective: Entertain the animal spirits! For the Glimmerpelt, Otherworlders who have been within Magisteria for a while can relay any positive information they have learned about the animals within the city-state. New arrivals can simply tell it a good story about an animal, or about any animal(s) they have loved. Current players also have this option, should they choose to go that route. Play with the Twinklekin and entertain them through whatever means. Help the two forest ghosts, owl and deer, collect and consume the golden acorns and the moonlight berries, and perhaps continue to accompany them deeper into the Grove. Their journey will lead to the Heart of the Grove.

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of The Words of the Forest: Positive interactions with the Glimmerpelt, Twinklekin, and/or the two forest ghosts will yield this blessing, which allows for characters to understand animal speech. This will give characters a great edge in some of the upcoming events in Magisteria and possibly allow them to uncover plot secrets ahead of others who cannot ask questions of the creatures of the wild!

The Night Procession Continues: Glimmerhorn, Astral Fox, and Celestial Bird

Deeper, deeper you walk into the forests of the twilight world. Perhaps now you are accompanied by the deer and owl forest ghosts on their journey to the Heart of the Grove.

But now, the night procession of the animals reveals even more fantastic creatures. A deer with a body like the night stars and gleaming antlers, known as a Glimmerhorn, manifests from within the lit evening. It gazes upon you with a keen, piercing intensity, as though peering into your soul. Intuitively, you will realize the Glimmerhorn seeks a trial of Nobility. It wishes to see your most noble aspirations and accomplishments.

Should you open your heart and mind to the spirit, those aspirations, memories, and dreams may manifest as apparitions that are visible for all around you to witness.

The next creature is an Astral Fox. “<< Hello, kind Otherworlders. Will you help me harmonize the sky, the lunar world, and the terrestrial essences? >>”

Otherworlders who engage the Astral Fox will find themselves, in spiritual form, wandering the heavens of the Grove. Their goal is to collect shooting stars, celestial essences, which to their new spirit forms, are tiny enough to hold in the palm of one’s hands. As they collect these essences, they will encounter Sky Bears and Sky Bunnies, who are looking upon them with great curiosity.

Once Otherworlders collect a few shooting stars, they will find themselves back within their bodies, feeling as if they just experienced a dream. They will then need to root out terrestrial sparkseeds. These are little bits of golden glowing light scattered amid the flowers and fungi and general flora of the grove: they are created by creatures called Glowforgers. The Astral Fox will take the shooting stars and the sparkseeds to harmonize them in its celestial/terrestrial workings and thank Otherworlders for assisting it with its duties in maintaining harmony and order between the lunar/celestial realm and this world.

Finally, you encounter the Celestial Bird. The Celestial bird asks you to help it collect notes of music which have been scattered throughout the Grove, that it may make its enchanted song.

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Objective: Display your Nobility to the Glimmerhorn via manifestations of your most noble hopes/dreams/wishes/accomplishments. If a character reminisces or simply muses upon their noble aspirations or accomplishments and opens themselves to the Glimmerhorn, the images will manifest naturally as spectral visions within the Grove. Help the Astral Fox collect the celestial and terrestrial essences, and help the Celestial Bird collect the notes of music for its birdsong.

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of the Great Animal Spirits: Characters who acquire this blessing will be guaranteed a special visit, either in person or in a dream, by the animal spirits who represent the gods of Magisteria. If characters/players pursue interactions with the animal spirits who serve as emissaries for the gods, they will then be able to pursue special plots towards finding and interacting with the gods themselves. This will of course be conducted with the mod as a special player plot.

...deeper and deeper into the Twilit World

The Cascadefolk

By now, Otherworlders are entering the very deep places of the Elysian Grove. The pathways continue to shift, becoming more playful, and the illusions continue. Otherworlders may see their dreams and spiritual manifestations of themselves and other beings, like echoes, in this timeless place. However, everything has a sort of pristine beauty and peace that is unique to the primeval world. Edenic, one might say. In the Elysian Grove, it feels as though anything is possible.

Soon, Otherworlders in this deep part of the Grove will begin to see bodies of water: streams and waterfalls. Among these waterways, you glimpse a group of spirits: they introduce themselves as the Cascadefolk.

“Greetings, kind Otherworlders. We are collecting gourds of water to take to the festivities tonight in the Heart of the Grove. We will be bringing the Twilit Water for all the thirsty forest spirits, and we will bring water for all the night-blooming flowers. We will water the grass, so that the Twilit Water may become the morning dew. Will you help us collect the water?”

The waters are full of glistening, pure Bios.

A very important ceremony is happening tonight, you are told. Perhaps it happens every night in the timeless world, or perhaps it only happens once in a hundred years, for time has no meaning within the Grove. But the Guardian is coming: she and her entourage, and all must be prepared within the Heart of the Grove.

“The waters have been whispering to us,” the Cascadefolk tell you. “We’re very concerned about what the waters have seen. A woman, a great magic user, who seeks absolute Authority over all the waters and all the beings of the waters of Magisteria, as well as the creatures of nature, whom she intends to force to become her allies. She leads a group of other magic users… and they seek to take over the city, to make her the Sovereign. Keep your eyes upon the Agrarian Enclave, Otherworlders, and upon the Harbor District and Sacred Nexus. Soon, soon, they will be coming.”

Within the Grove, the Cascadefolk can do nothing about these rogue magic users. But they tell you they will give you a great gift in reward for your help: a gift which can summon the powers of the spirit world to oppose the forces which seek to disturb the peaceful balance of power within Magisteria.

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Objective: Help the Cascadefolk collect gourds of the Twilit Water and continue to accompany them and the other spirits towards the heart of the Grove.

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of the Key of Spirit: This is no ordinary key, but a VIP pass to interactions with the supernatural world of Magisteria. Characters who receive this Blessing will be able to qualify for early and special access to supernatural quarters of Magisteria and they will also qualify for specialized interactions with supernatural and spiritual beings in the world. Mod will collaborate further with players who receive this Blessing for special player plots to build off this reward.

Brightshrooms and Luna Mothling

Once you have traversed beyond the waterways, you (and perhaps the owl and deer ghosts, still traveling alongside you) begin to encounter luminous fungi. These are called Brightshrooms, and while most are – illumination aside – seemingly ordinary mushrooms, a few of them have faces and appear to have a kind of sentience.

Amid the Brightshrooms flits the Luna Mothling.

“Everything must be arranged, everything must be arranged!” speaks the Luna Mothling. “The ceremony is occurring in the Grove! Listen, Brightshrooms! Please alert all the moths, the butterflies!”

The Luna Mothling asks Otherworlders to help her sound the bells: it’s time to summon the animal spirits to the Heart of the Grove for the ceremony. The Guardian is coming.

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Objective: Help the Luna Mothling chime the flower bells to summon the remaining spirits of the Grove, such as the spectral tapirs and the moonstone spirits, as well as the moths, butterflies, fungi, and any other forest spirits you have encountered, including Lumens.

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of Alignment Shift: Recipients of this Blessing will be able to turn an enemy into an ally. It will only work a certain number of times, and only against certain enemies. Enemies whom the Blessing can work on will be noted as such, and mod will collaborate with players who wish to pursue this ability.

Gem Bears, Shinepuffs, and Leafy Bears

It’s almost time to make the final journey to the Heart of the Grove. However, before you do, there is one more group of spirits which you encounter.

Gem bears peek at your goings-on a bit shyly. Then, as you continue walking, a group of Shinepuffs appear. The Shinepuffs, like the Twinklekin, are excited, wiggly little creatures. When they see you, they come rushing forth, literally tripping over one another and sometimes tumbling over themselves in an excited pile.

“<< Otherworlders! Otherworlders! Love! Love! >>” the Shinepuffs exclaim in little chirping voices.

Finally, a group of spectral Leafy Bears, caught in various states of napping, roll from their leafs and begin to join your group. It is time to move towards the final ceremony. All you have to do is direct this group of your new forest friends towards the ceremony that will commence soon at the Heart of the Grove.

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Objective: Accompany the spirits to the site of the great Ceremony. Very straightforward!

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🌟 Reward 🌟 Blessing of True Love: The Shinepuffs and the spirits of the Grove value love above all else. It is the one emotion they know and understand. As a reward for treating them kindly (with love), Otherworlders will receive this Blessing. It allows an Otherworlder to revive an ally whom they truly love (either platonic/filial/friendly or romantic, or both) from near death. It will have a one-time use of being able to revive an ally, whom one has loved, who has died: the purest of love.

The Heart of the Grove

Finally, you realize you are approaching the deepest part of this timeless realm. You are approaching the Heart of the Grove, where the edges of reality and illusions bend and fade into one another. Around you are swirling mists and bird songs, and from all over the Grove, the spirits you have met are appearing once more, all slowly moving forward into one long gathering and procession of beings. They move with the rhythms of the night. Above, the three remaining moons of Medeas are swollen full and brilliant, aglow with the purest white light. It is a place that feels like all the most beautiful dreams you have ever had.

Before you, you see the image of a deer: made of pure light, like the moonlight. Without being told, you will realize it is the Quintessence Deer, and shortly along comes the Owl Forged by Night. They are the first spirits of their kind, and they join the other animals, the other varied spirits, the flora and the fungi. All are coming to gather in this place.

Before the Ceremony commences and you at last encounter the Guardian of the Elysian Grove, however, one final spirit appears:

“Greetings, Otherworlders. Let me be direct: I am called the Shimmer Warden, and the reason I approach you now is because I have come to tell you about Medeas and Magisteria, about the history of our world. I understand you all have had many questions. There are things I, too, may not be able to speak of or answer, but I will give you as comprehensive of an overview as I can, and perhaps it will give you some insight into… many things. Come, let us walk together, and I shall speak to you: a tale of long ago.”

The Shimmer Warden: A History Lesson of Medeas/Magisteria

“At the beginning of time, there was the Great Dimiourgia. In some worlds, it is known as “The Big Bang.” Bios formed. Beings of pure Bios became the gods and spirits of Medeas/Magisteria.

In the early days, there were many gods. Every aspect of the world or the imagination had its own god. However, three gods became transcendent over Medeas, and these were the first three born after the Great Dimiourgia: Imera-Nychta, the dual goddess of life and death, Magian, god of magic, and Techne, the god of technology. In the early days, Techne was a more minor deity, for the technology of the world was far simpler, but, in accordance with the progress of the world, they are now a member of the Trinity, on par with the other two.

These gods, the Trinity of Magisteria, are the ones still worshipped by the humans and the human-like races. Their shrines can be found in the Sacred Nexus, the Temple District, which you Otherworlders will someday visit.

The spirits you have encountered tonight? They are not related to this core pantheon of deities. Rather, they are the spectral remnants of the various other pantheons: and you will glimpse other remnants of such pantheons as you journey throughout Medeas and Magisteria.

You will have ample time to learn of the great gods, the Trinity, who preside over the Realm of the Gods, and over Magisteria and Medeas. But tonight, I will tell you of the being who seeded the world you see before you.

But first, there before you: Behold, there is the most precious creation of that being -- Our Guardian of the Elysian Grove."

The Guardian Appears

She is not likely to speak to Otherworlders, you are told, due to her great shyness, but she looks at you all with keen curiosity and interest. Around her, all the spirits of the Grove begin to congregate, tipping their heads respectfully. She is accompanied by an entourage of Star Children, dimunitive beings composed of starlight.

Soon, all of the spirits of the Grove begin to lift their voices in a long, haunting melody. There are no words, or if there are words, they are not words you can decipher, but somehow, you know that this song embodies centuries, millennia of memories stored within this place. Even the celestial bodies, the moons and the stars, seem to be listening to the song, as the pulses of their twinkling within the sky intensify. The air is lit with fireflies and dancing Lumens and permeated with the sounds of thousands of animal spirits, from the largest of the terrestrial wildlife to the smallest of the spirits of insects.

The Shimmer Warden Continues: About Our Guardian and the Spirit World

"Is she not lovely, Otherworlders? Her name is Lunatia. She was created, as we all were, by the being whom I alluded to before: its name was The Architect, or, more fully, The Architect of Moons and Butterflies. The Architect breathed life into the spirits of the forest and set the waterfalls and the moons in their places. Yet it especially wished for a daughter. So it imbued one of the moths with a share of its powers, and thus Lunatia was created. Then the Architect realized its daughter would be lonely, so it took a butterfly and imbued the butterfly with celestial essences, and thus Lunatia’s sister, Nocturna, was born.

Ah… but ultimately, The Sundering parted the two sisters… and Nocturna has been gone for centuries, her life relegated to struggles in the human world. She took part in the conflicts of the Unseelie and now rules over a faerie court in the Sacred Nexus district. But that is a story for another time. There is a great sadness in Lunatia’s heart. Though long eons have passed, she has never forgotten her sister… and our hope is that perhaps you Otherworlders may re-unite them: the sister of light and the sister of the darkness. To heal Lunatia’s heart… that she may even speak to strangers once more.

But the story I wish to tell you now concerns The Architect and the history of the wars.

By now, you have heard of the Enemies of Magisteria, the beings who came from the Outer Darkness. As Bios is light and life energy, these beings were composed of something like the opposite: Umbra, we call it. “Anti-Bios.” But, like the dark matter between the stars, it is difficult to define. It is not merely darkness, but the opposite of life itself. Crawling chaos and unfathomable abysses which poison the mind and body and can twist humans and other beings into monstrosities. The Enemies controlled and embodied these powers of Umbra, sowing discord in our peoples and threatening the existence of ourselves, our way of life, and our planet.

The Architect and the gods of Magisteria protected our world, but not without losses.

Then, two-hundred years ago, there came the Great Enemy.

I can barely speak of the Great Enemy… because when I think of it, even now, I shake with fear. We all did and do. Its name is forbidden, and there is only so much I can say. But I will say that its powers were enormous: indeed, there seemed to be nothing it could not do. It could put out the stars, it could take the shapes of people’s loved ones and speak with their voices. It could absorb all information in all the systems of the world and then strategize that information. Most significantly, unlike the Enemies from before, the Great Enemy had the shape and intelligence of a human.

You see, we spirits, and even the gods, are somewhat simple. The cruelty humans inflict upon each other… death, war, conquests, torture, psychological torments… we do not understand such things. In the deathless primeval world, we scarcely have a vocabulary for such things.

But the Great Enemy was calculating and ruthless, and intelligent enough to exploit the weakness of others, to play psychological games and invent ways to create endless torture against those who opposed it.

”Subjugation is the fate of inferior life forms.”

That is what it said. I still remember that cruel smirk on the visage of the humanoid form it took.

Perhaps you have heard that, in the Realm of the Gods, the Trinity guards a sacred object. This object is the source of all Bios, the thing that creates universes. It was that which this being sought. It wished to take hold of the sacred object and remake the multiverse according to its own design. We in Medeas and Magisteria were entrusted with the protection not only of our world, but of all worlds. Yet here, we were up against a most formidable opponent. And we spirits, with our magic, but without the cunning ruthlessness of humans to strategize… we were greatly outmatched in many respects.

That brings me to the final part of my story: The Architect’s sacrifice.”

Before you, the vision of a being appears. It is a memory from the Shimmer Warden.

The Last Story

“This was the form of the Architect. Its appearance was more like that of the Enemies, the Elder Gods from the Outer Darkness, and indeed, the Architect had unique control of the power of Umbra, and it certainly could have used its powers for darkness or corruption or twisting the minds of humans, had it chosen such a path. But instead, it loved light and Bios and this world. It harmonized the darkness of Umbra and the brightness of Bios to build this secluded world, the Elysian Grove, the primeval lands. It filled them with the spirits you have met tonight.

Before the final stand against the Great Enemy, it said to me:

“My friend, if there is one thing you must remember, it is this. Medeas is and will continue to become a world of fantastic magic and technology. Yet what makes Medeas, Magisteria, wonderful, is neither of these things, but rather the ideology of the commitment to solidarity and the belief in the rights of all beings. We must always put first the care for the future generations, for the children who are not born yet. To take care of one another… that is what matters most, and we must never lose sight of that.

Perhaps, when I review my legacy, I may be a failure. I could not re-unite my daughters. I could not rekindle the happiness in Lunatia’s heart. Someday, the Otherworlders with the unique markings will arrive, and they may have the cleverness and ingenuity that I and the other first deities of this world lacked. Please, I ask that you all protect my daughter, and she in turn will protect you.”

And then what do you suppose happened next, Otherworlders? The Architect used much of its power in that war, for it had unique abilities to oppose the Great Enemy. And then, as its power was depleted, it turned its body to stone and sealed itself within another dimension. It is in stasis now… but perhaps you all may yet return the Architect to this world. Someday…

This was Lunatia’s second great heartbreak, and she has never recovered from the loss of her sister and father. Our hope, Otherworlders, is that you will come to love Medeas and Magisteria… as we love it… as Lunatia, our Guardian, loves it… as the Architect loved it…”

The Final Blessing

This is the product of the Great Ceremony which you all have borne witness to:

A celestial seed, the essence of the cosmos. Though presently dormant, it carries within it the powers of the moons and the stars, the galaxies themselves. Otherworlders who have attained their first three Blessings and made it all the way to this final Blessing may eventually leverage it to gain the powers of the heavenly bodies.

Though it will take some time (as this is end-game level material), Otherworlders will eventually be able to influence and command the moon and stars, such as drawing power/Bios from the stars and using it to enhance their abilities, or even using the stars/moons/cosmic bodies as weapons/magic or drawing Bios/magic from them. Their bodies will become the bodies of gods, impervious to any weapon forged by humans, impervious to the absolute coldness of space or the heat of the volcanoes or the stars.

The Shimmer Warden tells you that only with the Greatest of Powers can you all stand a chance of defeating the Great Enemy… should it and its many minions (all quite powerful) re-appear.

The Final Blessing is forged from Guardian Lunatia’s power, from her love of the Grove, from the feelings of all the spirits of the Grove, and from the hopes and dreams they have inherited from The Architect of Moons and Butterflies. It is the greatest gift to Otherworlders that their divinity creates through this Ceremony, and represents the will to protect Magisteria and the multiverse from the gravest of dangers.

Comments

Questions

[magisteriamods]

[emet_sulk]

So Emet is very Bios-starved right now and he would ask if he can drink a little of that Bios-infused water. Or even the berries/acorns/whatever he sees as he helps them. :x Will the spirits allow it?

[emet_sulk]

A very late question: if Emet were to approach later at the end of the story and ask why it's assumed that Umbra is an 'evil' force, how would the storyteller respond?

Venat | FFXIV | Endwalker spoilers below!!!

[sundertale]

First Encounters

Venat has been walking for some time, but this place is inspiring regardless. The glow, the flowers, all the sights and sounds and smells show that this place's maker was inspired. There's a lot to be said for that; Venat was once truly a seeker of inspiration, an observer of life and all it contained. Perhaps she'll get the chance again? A new lease on life, as it were. That'd be nice.

For now, she's ostensibly seeking flowers, and even if she's a mite distracted and a tiny bit lost, she'll keep going until she has enough.

Night Procession, part the First

The Night Procession is quite a sight, but their requests for stories give Venat more pause than the sight.

"Oh dear, I couldn't possibly name just one animal!" A soft laugh accompanies the words. She's not sure how to narrow down the list. "I've known so many! Perhaps... oh, perhaps you could help?" She gestures to someone walking nearby - another inhabitant of this strange world. "Have you known any particularly memorable creatures in your time?"

Night Procession, part the Second

Venat walks, delicately so as not to disturb the plants, through the grove. To the stag, she simply smiles and shakes her head. "The accomplishments of man did ever shine, but my greatest deed was merely to snuff that light out. I have nothing worthy to share."

The fox and bird, however, she can help. "I will find your notes, that your song may ring out evermore, and your lights will shine again if I can do anything to help them." For a while, she walks as a spirit, listening and keeping an eye out for her quarry, wherever they may be.

Onward Ever, Deeper and Deeper

With a cask held carefully, walking slowly enough that it doesn't slosh, Venat walks with the procession, joined by more spirits than even she could imagine. It's enough to make her ancient mind spin, but she dares not spill her water. Still, she smiles brightly as each spirit joins the group. "Yes... for love, of the world and each being on it. I understand." Her smile, however, is sad, as if she's elsewhere. She hears, she learns, she feels, she embraces, she thinks, but her heart is elsewhere until the ceremony ends.

night procession i.

[gilgamess]

... this was certainly shaping up to be a rather strange evening.

Being on the tech path, Gilgamesh had generally hewn more towards the urban and highly technological side of Magisteria. His closest brush with the city-state's more enchanted aspects had perhaps been his time collecting Nightglow flowers with Lucy and other fellow Otherworlders in the Agrarian Enclave district.

So, even for someone like him, who had been in this world for a while now, this evening was something entirely new. Like those from the previous wave of arrivals, he had been appraised that new Otherworlders were now arriving in the Central Gardens, and of course, hearing about the reputations of said Gardens, the King of Heroes was rather curious. But these environs were... well, they were a Lot in one go; that much was certain. Bunch of animal spirit mongrels asking him for random things. Definitely not how he expected to spend his evening.

He had come here to investigate and to perhaps assist the new arrivals, and now a strange woman and some raccoon spirit are asking him about dealings with animals here. So he thinks.

"I believe those who are studying magic have dealt more with the fauna within this world." Sea Bears or some other nonsense. "However, I participated in the return of those creatures, the Woofaloomps, to their mistress. Rather round, colorful creatures... and quite mischievous."

... not that he and his fellow Otherworlders had exactly been delicate with them. But then, Gilgamesh felt most entities in Magisteria, beasts or not, were plucky enough in their own right to handle as much.

"These particular creatures had a caretaker, one who referred to herself as a cosmic entity, no less. To cut to the matter of ... this one's... " The... raccoon spirit... "... question... it would scarcely seem to me that the animals of Magisteria are doing poorly in any way. If anything, they may rather have attained more autonomy and abundance than would be proper in the wild."

Well... there was the fact that the apartment complex denizens had waged something of a war on the two invasive cryptofish species. But he is fine with omitting that particular detail. Besides, even the cryptofish didn't exactly seem to be easy targets or anything of the sort. Rather the opposite. A feisty bunch.

night procession ii

[lunardreaming]

Back in the city, Lucy had at least been half in her element. From a firmly futuristic city with no magic whatsoever, she's been more comfortable with the tech side of Magisteria since she arrived. Here, it's pure magic. No tech to be found, not even a spare screen tucked in the bushes or a cyberdeck in the heads of any of the spirits.

When she'd been asked to display her nobility, Lucy had frowned sharply, thinking about refusing. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing noble about her. Images of her own memories had started floating around her no matter how much she'd tried to dissipate them: a pale-haired child wrapped in wires, a warm smile on a handsome face that's coughing up blood, a legion of terrified expressions.

The stag seems to see something worthy in her, apparently, since she's not kicked out of the Grove. Uneasy, Lucy keeps pace with the fox and the bird, until she comes across someone who looks like she belongs here a lot more than Lucy does.

"Here," Lucy calls, nudging back a broad leaf from a low bush. Behind it, a glimmer of light hovers with a gentle, singing hum. "I guess this is what they mean by collecting music." The memory-images still haven't left her alone, and that vision of a child tangled in wires dashes past her with a scared whimper, vanishing, manifesting instead as a mirror of herself with eyes lit up danger-red and blood on her hands. Lucy bites her tongue, ignoring them, and lifts the music note up, offering it to the Astral Fox.

Lucy doesn't look particularly friendly as she looks over at Venat, but nor does she look angry or annoyed. Merely removed. "If we team up, we can probably be twice as useful."

Night Procession, part the First

[lightduties]

[ooc: Oop sorry for taking a while to tag; I ended up catching covid... Anyway since Rhea'li is a WoL OC, please feel free to decide whether he's the WoL Venat interacted with or not. Whichever is fine by me :) ]

With certain members of the Convocation ending up here in Magisteria, Rhea'li shouldn't have been so surprised to see the face of yet another person who should be, by all rights, returned to the star. Of course he doesn't see Venat at first, so caught up by the clamours of the animal forest spirits, but he does hear her.

And how could he not recognise the voice who had guided him since the beginning of his unending journey?

He turns at Venat's question and he finds himself at a brief loss for words when he sees her. In the time that passed since their parting, there had been one thing he had wished to tell her... but of course it had been an impossibility.

"Venat..."

Is it a greeting or a slow realisation? He's not so sure. But he shakes off his hesitation and approaches. Though... he's adopted clothing more in line with the local style, so looks rather different to the arms and armour of Eorzea.

His lips curve into a small smile. "It seems you have not been allowed your rest just yet." He turns to the Glimmerpelt, though he flashes Venat a grin; of the tales he had told her in Elpis, neither of these were one of them. "Oh, I have met many memorable creatures in my travels. Which do you wish to hear of? The loyal companion of a warrior passed, or the creatures who lived long enough to obtain the capability for speech?"

...Although, technically Seto also gained the capability for speech from being so long lived. Hm. Well, the forest spirits don't need to know that.

black swan | honkai: star rail

[memokeeper]

✘ ⸻ the night procession i

[ Black Swan is no stranger to traveling between worlds, though the method this time had been novel: a vision of a tree, and a subtle pull that drew her to a new world and a forest spirit named Gloambristle. Medeas, the first of all worlds (or so he had claimed) and its ancestral Grove had opened their gates to Otherworlders. She could have refused the pull to travel here, she thinks, but why refuse, when she had sensed such incredible energy beyond the tree? Why refuse, when her near-silent steps take her deeper into a Grove lit bright with magic, populated by spirits that shine like pearls in starlight? Why refuse, when she has found a perfectly curious world brimming with potential?

So when a charming little creature asks for a story, who is Black Swan to say no?

She coaxes the Glimmerpelt up to wind around her shoulders, its paws on her veil, as she starts telling it a story, her voice soft and musical. ]

Let me tell you a tale of a heroic raccoon that saved a place called the Land of Dreams...

[ (She may be playing with the truth a little. Metaphor is a wonderful tool.)

With the deer and the owl at her side, Black Swan stops to pick moonlight berries and golden acorns, holding them out in her gloved hands for the animal spirits to feed upon. ]

This raccoon wielded many weapons, but fiercest among all was their mighty baseball bat. Many call them the Galactic Baseballer. And one day, they came across a land in peril; a Land of Dreams, a land where anybody could live in a moment of bliss for as long as they liked. But shadows were growing in this land, people that whispered and plotted, people that wanted to use the power of this land to make something entirely different. And a grey raven that sat above it all, dreaming of a better world, but blind to the fact that plan would hurt far more than it helped.

[ Sensing another presence nearby, Black Swan glances over and smiles, indulgent and gentle, greeting the other newcomer. The Glimmerpelt on her shoulders wriggles excitedly, tail waving, and the Twinklekin chatter happily. ]

But perhaps my story is a little convoluted. Perhaps you have your own story to share?

✘ ⸻ the night procession ii

[ Deeper into the Grove, Black Swan had watched idly as others had encountered the magnificent Glimmerhorn and the Astral Fox. Spirits separated from their bodies, they had set about helping, visions of their inner worlds dancing about them. A beautiful sight, especially for a Memokeeper like herself, an entity whose job it was to collect and preserve memories.

Finally, she engages with the Glimmerhorn herself, and then the Astral Fox, though like the others, Black Swan's spirit does not separate. She is a spirit, a memetic entity that exists as a reflection of the presence of others, and the physical form that she presents is merely the image she chooses to project.

So, with her own images floating around her, Black Swan collects shooting stars. Beneath her, a young child weeps at the bedside of a sleeping old woman. A teenager with fire in her eyes and determination in her heart seeks out a garden. And Black Swan winds up drifting closer to another spirit, movements as elegant and graceful as a dancer in the air, taking their hand with a low laugh. Above them, starlight blazes in long trails, and notes of music chime melodiously. ]

Careful. If you keep spinning like that, you're likely to lose control of your trajectory and wind up inside a tree.

✘ ⸻ the cascadefolk

[ She's always loved being near water; there's something peaceful about the lapping of waves against shore or the burble of a river. In many cultures, water represents emotions and dreams, the running current of hearts and minds, a reflection of the world. The streams here are particularly beautiful, clear blue lit with the energy they call Bios, delicate flowers growing on the water's edges.

With a gourd given to her by one of the Cascadefolk, Black Swan kneels next to a gentle stream, her veil shading her eyes as she gathers the Twilit water. Curiously, she dips her fingertips into the stream, feeling the rushing Bios.

When she speaks to the person next to her, it's with a thoughtful hum. ]

It seems not all is peaceful here. A woman who seeks to be a dictator, an unknown group arriving soon with unknown intentions.

[ There's a low note of interest in her voice, a sly twist of amusement. She has no personal stake in this world, but she does so enjoy events that lead to the formation of strong, unique memories. ]

What fascinating timing, for us to be invited here just as chaos rears its head.

✘ ⸻ wildcard

[ ooc: tl;dr: Black Swan is a spiritual entity whose job it is to preserve memories, she's either flirting relentlessly or just sounds like she's flirting and there's no way to tell the difference, and she's peak lawful neutral. I'm also happy to write up starters for other sections if people are interested in doing those with Black Swan! ]

oops eta: Cascadefolk

[nightmare_fuel]

[ For that matter, Sakura's own relationship with water was... complex. As a mage, water had been her elemental affinity. At least, in theory. The affinity which had actually manifested was the Hollow affinity, Imaginary Numbers. The power of the cursed Holy Grail. But, within Magisteria, Sakura had the distinct sense that she was on ... some kind of new path, when it came to this particular element. She and Emet-Selch had, after all, managed to acquire the Greater Rune of water, and ever since then, Sakura had felt her abilities growing.

She had been practicing water magic, and while she was certainly open to other forms of magecraft (as, within Magisteria, it seemed there were quite a few powers one could gain), water would now forever remain the initial element which she had opened herself to. Whatever that would mean for her future, if indeed it would mean anything, she did not know. But Sakura is going to see this path through to wherever it may take her. ]

I'm in the dark about all this, myself. [ an admission to the other woman. ] ... I've been in the city for months now, but this is the first I've heard.

[ and Sakura does not know what to make of this news, or how to react. rogue magic users? that was... certainly a reveal. but then, were any of them certain they could trust the current authorities?

she thinks about that girl, Seraphine Nova. there are things she still wants to ask of her... maybe all the more so, now. maybe she should follow up. if there was anyone with ties to the Government goings-on, even secondhandedly, it would be her.

for now, though...

for now, she does not look at Black Swan, but rather faces outward, expression impassive, as the water unfurls upwards in sleek ribbons, moving along with the movements of Sakura's hands as she performs a series of gestures intended to control direct the flow of the water along with her mental intent.

the water obeys and rises as though dancing around the girl, Bios shimmering, before the streams wind their way into the gourds surrounding her. she can make the water do her bidding now, after all. maybe, soon enough, she will even be able to receive messages from it, just as these spirits seem to. ]

night procession 1

[strength_of_will]

[ William had been listening intently (with some incredulity) to her story. When put on the spot so suddenly, he straightens and goes wide-eyed. A metaphorical deer caught in headlights. ]

O-oh. Um... I don't really have any stories of animals, but I could tell the story of an evil dragon that was vanquished by a knight?

Erichthonios | Final Fantasy XIV

[beshackled]

I. THE FOREST SPIRIT SPEAKS

It is a surreal experience, arriving in these lands. Not merely because of how different they are, but also of how much things… seem a little bit the same, like the forest spirit that bears an infinitesimal resemblance to a melanion but is most certainly not a manifestation of the concept. For one, 'tis much too docile. And for another, 'tis well-spoken… and in the tongue of man, no less.

Bewildered as he is, Erichthonios finds himself inclined to listen. And the more he listens, the more he finds things here so very different, and yet so very much the same.

It is only belatedly he realizes another is there. Lifting his head, Erichthonios speaks hastily to make up for his lack of attention. "Apologies. Are we… supposed to go in?"


II. FIRST ENCOUNTER

Again, Erichthonios finds the situation to bear an almost dreamlike familiarity. The flora are none that he recognize, yet their luminescent quality reminds him so strongly of one particular flower that he accepts the request without hesitation.

"I wonder if any special care is needed to tend the blooms so that they may reach their intended recipient unharmed. Mayhap a spell could be used to preserve them…"

Interrupting his own musing, he turns to the nearest person to pose an inquiry.

"Have you seen any flowers like the ones our friend desires in your time here? I fear I know not where to look…"


III. GLIMMERPELT, TWINKLEKIN, AND FOREST GHOSTS

As much as Erichthonios is inclined to lend his aid, there are inevitably one or two things with which he struggles. In this case, his newness to these lands is something of an unfortunate setback.

"Apologies, but I am but recently arrived. I know not of the conditions of the animals that you care for, though I share your hope that they be well."

And the 'animals' he cares for… mayhap speaking of them might bring more distress in this instance than joy, much as he cares for their well-being. Unable to fulfill the request, he instead turns to another nearby.

"Mayhap you are more knowledgeable than I of how the creatures of this star are faring?"


IV. GLIMMERHORN, ASTRAL FOX, AND CELESTIAL BIRD

Ever one to wear his heart upon his sleeve, Erichthonios has no qualms in sharing his aspirations with the Glimmerhorn, though he speaks with an air of humility bordering on self-depreciation.

"I cannot say that I have achieved much on my own. However, with the aid of my friends… we managed to save those that would otherwise have been condemned."

To death, no less. And so, as the images spring forth, they take the form of some dozen or so others dressed in robes much alike the humble, red-eyed man, as they are released from the cages that hold them in captivity, the projected image of himself going to them, helping another, older-looking man in tending to their wounds with healing magicks.

The sight of it brings a small, wistful smile to his lips.

V. THE CASCADEFOLK

The tale told by the spirits of the grove is a worrisome one. Erichthonios contemplates the meaning of it all, though he being new and missing so many pieces of the story to put together, it ends with little more than a frown of anxiety marring his brow.

"Do you… know of what they speak? Of this person who seeks to seize authority by force?"

The whole tale would be surreal, nigh unheard of, if he had not just lived through the upheaval of Pandaemonium.

"Why would they seek to do such a thing?"


VI. THE LAST STORY

Although at first he had listened to each story and tale with rapt attention, by the end of it all, Erichthonios' countenance was one of a heavy heart. Already, there was so much tragedy in this tale without an end. Why was it that the sisters had separated, and had yet to reunite, even though both yet survived? What prevented them from seeing each other, from speaking to each other?

"I don't understand…" he speaks in a quiet murmur. Mayhap he, contrary to the hopes of the spirits here, lacks in cleverness.

Why does one being seek to subjugate others? First the woman spoken of by the Cascadefolk, and now this other entity… Rather, the other way around. But still… why?

"This… magos and this Great Enemy… They both seek to control others? Are they connected, or…"

He trails off, head dipping low. "…has that way of thinking merely spread…"

the cascadefolk

[lunardreaming]

Look, Lucy's not one to judge based on fashion. Among the Otherworlders, she tends to stick out a little as one of the few from a technologically advanced world; her half-bodysuit, her off the shoulder jacket, the visible lines of tech embedded in her skin. But this guy--

What is he, the Grim Reaper or something? She almost mistakes that mask around his neck for a skull, which would really complete the picture.

Crouched down at the water's edge to fill a gourd of water, Lucy's lips thin as she's asked a question. She flicks a gaze over her new company, impassive, and weighs the pros and cons of informing him. Fuck, she doesn't even know that much herself. He seems like he might genuinely care, but she knows better than most that first impressions don't count for shit.

She'll tell him the basics, she thinks. If he's new, he deserves to be given at least a little bit of guidance. This place can be confusing, being thrown right into the deep end.

"This city is built on cooperation," she replies, after a long moment, gazing down into the glimmering water thoughtfully. "But there's people here who don't like that. We met one a couple months ago: she and her boss wanted to expose something about the government, and... take over the tech here, maybe. Before that, we heard whispers of a woman who wanted to disrupt the city. Now the spirits are talking about a woman who wants to be the authority over all the magic and spirits. I don't know if they're all connected."

IV. GLIMMERHORN, ASTRAL FOX, AND CELESTIAL BIRD

[lightduties]

[ooc: Hello again :) Like before, happy for you to decide whether Erich knows Rhea'li or not. This time around he's done Pandemonium, so he'll recognise Erichthonios.]

Meeting Themis in Magisteria had put Erichthonios back in Rhea'li's thoughts. Though he greatly cherished their friendship born from their brief time together, it had never occurred to him that Erichthonios would look for him when the Final Days came until Athena's recreation of her son mentioned it...

...And by this time, he ought to stop being so surprised when meeting people who are supposed to be dead.

Nevertheless, he's happy to see Erichthonios, so he approaches with a smile. Though mayhaps Rhea'li may be a bit more difficult to recognise when he's dressed in the local style.

"Erichthonios," he says by way of greeting before turning his gaze to the images that are playing before them. It's a little nostalgic, seeing Pandæmonium again. "'Tis good to see you. And rather unexpected that you would wind up here."

VI. The last story

[emet_sulk]

Emet-Selch sees a man wearing robes he hasn't seen in many millennia. He approaches quietly, unsure how to react, unsure even whether he's imagining things or maybe misremembering. But no, they have the white mask of a citizen. Emet-Selch has adopted something closer to the local fashion and so doesn't expect to be recognised by them.

"When the world lies in chaos, man naturally seeks order. I suppose 'tis no different for celestial beings either."

Emet-Selch | Final Fantasy XIV | current player (will match format)

[emet_sulk]

1. Night Procession (Animal tales)

Emet-Selch is tired. He's been tired ever since the clash against that strange girl and her strange machines. Although sleeping and eating regularly has helped somewhat, he can tell that it's not fully replenishing the Bios he used in order to deal a devastating blow against the Grimm. He needs a more direct source...or a direct method of obtaining it.

Thus while he sits cross-legged, shoulders slumped, before an audience of animal spirits, trying to muster the energy to recite a tale from his long, long memory, his gaze strays longingly to the berries and acorns that have been gathered for the deer and owl.

"I had a familiar long ago - Grani is its name - who consented to bear me on its back after a gruelling battle of attrition..."

2. The Cascadefolk (Water Gourding Guarding)

He listens to the whispers of the spirits as he collects water. Again, he's tempted to take a sip for himself, but he slaps the impulse away and tries to focus on their words. He's not sure what to think of this girl who would be Sovereign. He's tempted to ignore the whole matter altogether. It's none of his business, after all, these petty mortal grievances. They can live, die, and know the consequences on their own.

But the water is so very tempting... He swallows thickly as he carries a gourd of it to water the Grove.

"...What does any of this have to do with me?" he mutters when he thinks no-one is listening.

3. The Final Procession

More bears. Emet-Selch eyes these ones tiredly but they don't seem as inclined to trail after him like their sea-born ilk. Or so he thinks.

There is one that seems to take a liking to him. It bumps its gem-studded head against his hand every now and then, seeking a headpat. Emet-Selch reluctantly acquiesces, gently rubbing his fingers over the bits of fur he can find amidst its rocky skin.

"Please tell me this will be over soon."

4. The Final Story

Emet-Selch listens quietly to the story initially. But the similarities eventually prove too much. He inches away, out of the crowd, hoping that his exit is discreet. He seeks out the back of the crowd of Otherworlders and spirits, far enough away that the storyteller's voice is distant and indistinct. There, he exhales slowly and rubs his temples.

Similar, but not the same. Of course it isn't the same. But the image of the stars falling and his home crumbling is burnt into his mind's eye, seared into his soul's memory forever.

He's not really interested in a repeat of the world-ending threat that nearly destroyed Etheirys. He's had enough of being a hero for one lifetime.

5. Wildcard

I'm open to other scenarios, just shoot me a PM. o/

4

[heartofsalvation]

Indeed, the story is uncanny in its likeness to their own in some ways. And though Elidibus lacks the eyes of a soulseer, he keenly notices Emet-Selch leaving for a less crowded area, and follows, hoping sufficient time has passed for him to have cooled his head. The Shimmer Warden is still talking, but it's information he can likely collect later if necessary.

"Emet-Selch," he says, approaching from behind. "I heard you spoke to Azem... Are you all right?"

procession. bears ahoi:

[nightmare_fuel]

"I'm afraid... everything here is friendly."

That should probably be a positive sentence, but Sakura has to say it like an indictment. Look, she's rather introverted, herself. She kind of understands where he is coming from. But the animals really exhibited a preference for this individual. Walking through the Grove, she's also beset by spiritual animals. It's a similar magical path, which is why they keep running into one another, no doubt.

This blessing, though. Related to true love, was it? Well, the thought certainly made Sakura feel a little vulnerable. There was a lot about this place that did. If anything, the spiritual animals proved a welcome distraction.

water gourds

[gilgamess]

Gilgamesh tended to concur with Emet-Selch's view of things. After all, Magisteria was not his city-state of Uruk. Why should he be responsible for goings-on here?

"Perhaps nothing." Look, that's as close as Gilgamesh can get to re-assuring. "But in my world, I was a hero-king. Are you perhaps some manner of great hero as well?"

You know, kind of a guess. Or an anti-hero. Or some antagonist sort. But he definitely had a sort of weighty aura. Gilgamesh was familiar with.

"Though I suppose we may have no say. Should we exist here, we may be involved in these affairs regardless of our desires."

William G. Maryblood | The Faraway Paladin | current player (will match format)

[strength_of_will]

1. First Encounter (Glow Flower hunting)

"Hmm..."

William peers at the path ahead. His Bursterfly clings to his upper arm, taking its ease. With a little of his magic restored now, he can sense that there's a trick he's not seeing. But since it's so different to the laws of magic that he has grown up with, it's taking a little while to decipher how to get past. Gus would scold him for being reckless too, so...

"If I just walk through, will I still get lost?" he muses aloud.

2. Night Procession Continues (Noble Aspirations)

William finds himself taking a deep breath and holding it as the Glimmerhorn gazes at him. He has much to be proud of; he has done a fair few deeds worthy of song and praise. But if one were to ask what his personal aspirations are, his answer would simply be thus: to live a full life and not shy away from the challenges which come his way.

It's difficult to express that visually of course. So whatever magic is present seems to settle for showcasing William's exploits. There's the giant with whom he had managed to speak with on behalf of an outlying village; the dragon whom he had slain less than a few months ago; the Echo of the 'evil' god, Stagnate, whose defeat had been the first step on his way to becoming Gracefeel's knight.

He's almost embarrassed to see them on display for others to see and he shuffles self-consciously, cheeks pink.

3. Flower Bell Chiming

It's probably not the best time to be experimenting with his Bursterfly but William figures there's surely no harm in it for such a simple task. He frowns in concentration as he tries to guide the little mechanical insect to a bellflower out of reach. He needs it to touch the flowers and have them ring out but the precision is proving difficult. He doesn't want to harm the flowers after all!

"Almost...got it-- Ah."

The Bursterfly jerks to one side and misses.

4. The Ceremony

After having guided the spirits, William listens to the story given with rapt attention. It's so very different to his current world's, and yet there are a few things similar. Gods splitting their aspects seems to be a common theme between worlds, huh? He wonders if that's a uniquely human concept - then again, this is being told by a spirit, isn't it?

"I wonder if Umbra really is as bad as they make it out to be..." he wonders aloud.

5. Wildcard

Feel free to send me a PM if you have other ideas!

Sparkle | Honkai Star Rail | Current Player

[thelifeofafaker]

[I’m strugglebus rn and I got one done so I’m just gonna post it instead of nothing…]

I. Nyxaris

Sparkle is delighted to work on collecting the flowers. Far from being annoyed by the fakes and illusions and misdirections, she’s adding to them, hiding behind trees and placing glowing blossoms in view of other Otherworlders that explode into sparkling fireworks when picked. At least one forest spirit has perched on her pigtails to giggle with her as they watch someone else fall victim to a trick.

[emet_sulk]

Emet-Selch may grumble a lot but, ultimately, with a lot of pestering, he can be persuaded to help where it counts. While he has little patience for mature adults playing pranks on others, he has infinitely more patience for those he perceives to be children.

Most of these spirits are certainly as old if not older than he is and so he indulges them in their game of hide and seek. It all goes fairly well until a set of fireworks goes off right in his face.

He reels back, coughing. A hand frantically waves the acrid smoke away. "What in the seven hells was that?!" he demands angrily.

slides in late with Starbucks

[gilgamess]

Were all his latent powers accessible, Gilgamesh naturally had a level of Sight which was orders of magnitude above that of ordinary humans. Therefore, these illusions should not pose any difficulty for him. But, here in Magisteria, his natural aptitude was somewhat off-set by having to conform to the world and its own magic. Even if his native magic and his latent inborn talents/powers were now, to some extent, harmonizing, there was still a certain amount of imperfection. Even so, Gilgamesh supposed he was probably better poised than most for any task that involved finding the truth and seeking objects amongst ruses and misdirection.

Some of the illusions have proved difficult -- approaching a flower, only for it to vanish, re-appearing elsewhere -- but with persistence and by tapping into what he can of his latent Sight, he has managed by now to collect a good some of the blooms.

There is also... the image of his Friend, sometimes appearing, which has, more than once, pointed him to one of the true blooms. It is almost as though they were a guardian spirit here, which is an... interesting thought. He cannot deny it is not altogether unpleasant to entertain this particular supposition.

And yet, imagine Gilgamesh's surprise when he reaches for another bloom, only for it to suddenly explode into bursts of sparkling light.

"... and just what nonsense is this?"

He finds himself turning and looking around, thinking the culprit might be nearby. This particular trick... did not seem to be one of the Grove's inherent magical ones; no, its appearance was different, suggesting some outside influence.

Gilgamesh | Fate 👑| Current Player | (will do more prompts, but, yanno, splitting bc of teal deer

[gilgamess]

🌠 FIRST ENCOUNTER: NYXARIS SYLVANTIS

Gilgamesh is one of the already-present Otherworlders who has come to visit these Central Gardens tonight mostly out of pure curiosity as to their nature.

This evening, beneath the light of the three moons, the enclosed gates have yielded. Thus far, especially being on the tech path, the King of Heroes has mostly encountered the more urban areas of Magisteria: High Rise Village, as well as Eden 6/"Neon Heaven," so this place... presents quite the different showing. Home to the spirit world and ancient beings, eh?

The King of Heroes cannot but think of his conversations with Lucy as to the distinction between the Age of Gods and the Age of Man within his own world. From what he has seen thus far, he has no reason to suppose that the history is precisely similar to that of his own world, but ... this Elysian Grove, this world of spirits, it does have a strange sort of resonance. It's very different to the primeval world that had surrounded his kingdom In The Beginning of Time, and yet conceptually, there are... undeniable similarities.

A world of never-ending twilight and roaming spirits... not quite the Forest of Cedars, and yet... and yet...

"A spirit gardener, is it?" But the enchantment of this land makes Gilgamesh more amenable. "Very well... in reward for the gift of light to guide one's way in the face of Absolute Darkness, I shall assist you, O gardener of the ancient realm."

It is the same manner in which he addresses/thinks of the gods and goddesses of his own world; in fact, the Grove has something like the darkness of Kur, and also the lights of Bios remind him of the lights of its many souls, drifting in the abyss.

So Gilgamesh summons a curved blade from his vault. It drops easily into his hand, and, using this, he begins his work in collecting the Glowshade Ferns and the Phantom Lilies. After all, he is one to get bored easily, and this is at least something to do, even if he might say menial labor was habitually beneath him. But is it menial if it's all connected to these great spiritual rewards, and to such beings? There is also, of course, the matter of the challenges involved: approaching these glowing flowers, one might suddenly lose sight of them... only to see one some distance away, as if the blooms keep relocating. Forest spirits, illusions, shifting pathways... one feels in a dreamlike haze.

And looking at this Bios-infused garden... his thoughts cannot help but drift back, far back, to a time as long ago for him as this secluded realm represents for Magisteria. As he is collecting these flowers, he sees another moon, and other stars: a canopy thereof. And hills and mountains and a wide open world, a world that he had so loved to explore and travel to the ends of. And there was another who traveled with him, the only companion he allowed as he journeyed all through that world in his own youth in the primeval garden of the Earth.

Before him, he sees the spectral outline of that person. Others who approach will also see him gazing at that figure, one with androgynous features and long, pale green hair. They don't at all look out of place in this garden in Magisteria... and their original form would not have looked out of place here, either. Quite the opposite. His friend could indeed have been born in this very garden, Gilgamesh thinks.

Seeing them now, looking back at him proudly, of course Gilgamesh does smile, if his eyes are tinged ever-so-softly with wistfulness.

"Of course... you would have liked it here, wouldn't you have? Enkidu... my friend..."

Just as they loved the natural world, this Elysian Grove would have been a perfect space for them.

[strength_of_will]

This grove is not unlike the fairy paths which Menel sometimes takes him down. He imagines, too, that this is what a true elven village back home might look like, with fey lights and an ethereal, natural beauty that cannot be found elsewhere. Although several of the dwarves had regaled him with misty-eyed accounts of their neighbours in the City of Flowers, it would be many years before that elven city recovered from the demon's curse.

As he's reminiscing, he overhears someone talking softly to themselves. He follows the words until he finds Gilgamesh, apparently having a moment.

"Hello again," William says politely, not wanting to seem like he's eavesdropping.

Elidibus | Final Fantasy XIV | Current Player | will match format

[heartofsalvation]

1) Celestial Bird

By now, Elidibus has heard the extended version of the already long story. Of Fandaniel's role in bringing about the end of their world, as well as that of his avian familiars. So when he encounters the songbird asking for help, he is stricken by the desire to follow it at a safe distance, if only to confirm just what kind of song is being sung.

Dynamis... a topic Fandaniel spoke of from time to time, but one he'd rarely paid much heed to. The idea that emotions have power, an energy of their own, one that cannot interact with their aether, is both surprising and yet not at all surprising to him. It must have been dynamis, he thinks, doing a great deal of work that day on the First, where it seemed like the very sky was like to fall. On both sides -- how else could Rhea'li have survived it?

For a while, the bird stops on a branch, and Elidibus propels himself up a nearby tree to sit, just far enough away that he does not seem threatening, observing it. Its intentions seem pure enough... but then, the intentions of the familiars Hermes sent out seemed much the same. To answer a question entrusted to them, one that governed their very perceptions of the world. And though he knows this bird is of a different origin, he can't help but wonder if the same forces are at work in its song.

But it cannot sing properly without the notes, it seems, so he starts looking down from his vantage point for anything out of the ordinary. If approached, even unknowingly, he'll call out in greeting from up above.

"Are you looking for notes, as well? I am... interested to hear what sort of song this bird sings."

2) The Luna Mothling

To ring a bell that seems to be influenced heavily by magic, perhaps it's only fitting to use a bit of magic in turn. Focusing some aether into his index finger, Elidibus experimentally traces it along the line of bell flowers the way one would perform a piano crescendo, and the sound it creates is not dissimilar, he observes as various creatures emerge from their homes and start making their way towards toe heart of the grove.

All well and good for one stroke, but there are so many tiny bells to ring. There's got to be a more efficient way, surely? He stares thoughtfully at the flowers, wondering if he can simply magick up something to accomplish the task faster...

"A copy or two would suffice, but is it wise to expend that much energy for such a simple task...?"

3) Shinepuffs

It doesn't take a lot of walking for Elidibus to eventually have a tiny follower. Then another. Then several more, until many come tumbling out from every possible nook and cranny. A look of surprise flits across his face, but eventually he crouches down to their level to address them like he would a child. Or many children, he supposes.

"You like Otherworlders?" he asks them, straightening out a pile that has tripped over one another to try and get a glimpse. "'Twould seem there is a ceremony of some sort to be held at the heart of this grove. If you are headed that way as well, shall we go together?"

And that is how he ends up covered in fluffballs; some cling to the edge of his robes, while some sit upon his head or shoulders. Still others dangle upon the tassels that hang from the hood, and several more have made themselves comfortable in the hood itself.

It's all well and good... but he can't really move without worrying about stepping on one of them. An awkward laugh. "Ah... I fear this isn't really a feasible way to go..."

4) Wildcard

Available upon request, or throw me something and I'll roll with it!

2 Luna mothling

[strength_of_will]

Nearby, on another side of the grove, William is also ringing the flowerbells with soft chimes. His Bursterfly darts unsteadily about, performing the task for him clumsily.

"Alright, if I just do it this way-- Oh no, watch out!"

The little mechanical insect suddenly veers off and careens towards Elidibus. It won't hurt terribly if it collides with him but it's certainly not what William had intended the thing to do.

"I'm so sorry..."

Nuvia | Original Character | New Player

[utinam]

Playing With the Lumen Guides 🌠

[The area was absolutely breath taking! Nuvia's sky-blue eyes will look at her new area with wide eyes, filled with wonder and amazement as she has never been in a world quite like this one. A piece of her wonders if this is what it is like to dream. She can't sleep due to the self-sustaining core in her body.

After listening to the forest spirit's welcoming words and warning, Nuvia will nod her head in understanding, not wanting to bring any form of disrespect to those part of this new world she was in. Due to her linage as half-Nevu, she was more understanding and open to the idea of there being other worlds and universes. Don't get her wrong. This situation was alarming and very new to her, but due to her AI Father's guidance and explanation -- it was easier to accept.

Just like it was easier to accept the glowing creatures appearing before her. They seem to be sentient; just like the nevu scouts, she muses.

There will be a handful of these guide surrounding her. They were all gawking and floating over her mist-cloud-like features while others were more curious about her mist-cloud-like dress and very few were interested in her sky-blue eyes.

A smile will appear as Nuvia reaches out to them.]

Hey there! What's your name, little ones? Are you the ancestors I was told so much about?

[Some of the guides will begin to float and dance around her extended hand which will get her to smile tearfully at being accepted. Don't mind as Nuvia enjoys their company.]

First Encounter, flower gathering! 🌠

[When the first spirit approaches with a basket of ferns and glowing flowers along with the candles, Nuvia will be left dumbfounded along with intrigue by their form. They looked beautiful to her eyes. She couldn't help wanting to listen to their greeting and introduction which she will offer in return as well.

Once she was given her task to find the flowers and ferns that the gardener of Elysian Gove needed, Nuvia will find the task was slightly difficult. There were many obstacles getting in her way. Be it from the forest spirits making it difficult to find them due to moving or hiding the plants from her sight especially when she first noticing the glowing flowers only for them to disappear.

If it isn't the spirits playing tricks, then the enchanted vines will begin to guard them, or the flowers and ferns were never there to begin with. If not that, then the structure of the area will shift, closing the areas where she can find the plants.

A pout will appear on her lips, realizing the task wasn't as simple as she thought it would be. It enough to grate on her nerves. A frustrated foot stomp will be given as she complains.]

Hmph! That isn't fair! How am I supposed to get the plants if you're all teasing me like this!?

Cascadefolk, gathering and guiding! 🌠

[Walking deeper into the garden, Nuvia will find more fascinating areas and all kinds of activity which will leave her feeling at peace as much as curious. The earlier feeling of alarm was now gone at this point. She was very keen on learning more of her new surroundings. It does feel like she was having one of her evening daydreams. It was just...such a magical and fascinating area. She wanted to explore more of it while allowing the spirits of the area guide her to the next areas.

The moment she was given her next task to help collect gourds of water to use to water the plants and prepare for the arrival of a guardian? Nuvia will begin to eye the water, noticing it was different to what she was accustomed to back home. There was more to the water. Something more, deeper, even. She will reach out only to stop partway, deciding against investigating further when she had more to do.

She can be found watering the glowing flowers, following the new paths to help offer water to the spirits, or watering the grass in hopes to see the morning dew. Nuvia can be found hard at work before deciding to help guide the spirits even deeper into the heart of the Grove.

Turning to the closest person next to her, Nuvia will offer a shy, uneven smile, but will take a deep breath before deciding to say in a low tone.]

Would you like to accompany me... deeper into the center of this world...?

Gem & Leafy Bears with Shinepuffs, guiding to the Great Ceremony! 🌠

[The performance at the Heart of the Grove was another breathtaking sight especially when the Star Children made their appearance. Nuvia was so excited about everything she has heard, felt, and seen so far. It has all been a rare treat which got her to cry a couple of times from pure happiness. Why was this world being so kind to her? Why...? She couldn't understand it.

Even so, she will continue to help as many creatures as she can now that she feels absolutely comforted by their presence, especially by the excitable Shinepuffs. Their excitement in following her deeper into the world was enough to make her giggle. It was all so cute especially the shy bears as well. Nuvia had no idea what animal they were as animals are almost non-existent to encounter. Even in her journey across the globe, she hasn't encountered anything like it.]

Hello. Do you know what kind of creatures these shy ones are?

[Once she figured out, they were bears, Nuvia reminded herself to find more information about them in the future. She had hoped to give them some of the mystical water to them from her previous assignment. Finding a long stick, Nuvia will slightly float as she announces to her new company.]

All right! Let's go! Next stop is.... wherever the area wants to lead us to.

( ooc: Here is Nuvia's appearance, her permission post, and I will match whichever style you wish to type with me -- be it prose or brackets. If you have any questions, you can DM me over at plurk. Everyone in this game is free to add me as I want to join this game so badly.)

Gem Bears & Shinepuffs!

[nightmare_fuel]

[ Is this girl a fellow Otherworlder? With her soft appearance and her pale features, especially her hair, Sakura certainly thinks she could pass for a being from these Gardens. But with the way she is asking questions, Sakura thinks she must be one of them. Also, many of the spirits are animals. Of those who are not, most are translucent and bordered by magical light. The one exception seems to be none other than this Guardian whom they are encountering at the ceremony at the heart of the Grove: a beautiful pale woman with magical features. This other girl looks something like that, too. ]

They appear to be bears. [ Her own voice is soft as she approaches. Despite being here for some months, Sakura is just as out of her element in this particular territory as the other girl. ] ... but I've never seen bears that were made of gems like this.

[ She can see the faint sparkle in the girl's eyes from tears and see the lingering wetness on her cheeks. The light from the moons illuminates it. Sakura feels something of a pang. Tears of joy? It is difficult for her to believe at times, too. She is a girl who grew up knowing mostly pain, with mostly a very singular area of comfort in looking to the one she loves. Such unabashed kindness from so many sources is just as overwhelming for her as it is for Nuvia, and it remains difficult to comprehend. Now, she approaches as an equal, despite having been here longer. This location is a new one for them all, and the spirits here are ones they are all just learning of. So they can learn together. ]