| Without warning, the silvery light that appeared to bring new people from other worlds and old items from home appears once more, and this time it lingers, forming portals as tall as an average human near each of the three Ingress shrines. The location does not appear to be a coincidence; this time, the portals are translucent, revealing the destination on the other side. Instead of taking Avagi's residents to the future, it will take them to another world.
If they step through the portal, travelers will find something far different from where they've been living this last month: Kaittos, a peaceful world containing one large land mass and a scattering of lived-on islands across a clear blue ocean. On the mainland, a large city-state occupies the central region and southern coast and resembles what some travelers from some versions of Earth might know of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Bustling and lively, the city is clean and well provided-for due to the temperate climate and the bountiful natural resources found on its northern side; orchards, farms and forests extend into the distance, butting up against a small mountain range. The technology level is low compared to Avagi, with carriages and candles in place rather than cars and electric lights, but the craftsmen of the world have managed some very impressive mechanical feats.
Kaittans, the local residents of the world appear somewhat humanoid, but the bipedal race has hooves rather than feet, silvery skin and three eyes with vertical pupils. Although there is no sign of any other sentient species in the world, the locals are nonetheless excited to meet their guests, rather than suspicious or afraid; for some reason, they are not surprised that aliens exist, merely that they are here.
In the weeks to come, the stabilized portals will provide a respite from the more confined lifestyle aboard Avagi. Travelers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore the land. Some things they'll find include...
|
With all their material needs taken care of, the civilization on Kaittos has come to highly value cultivation of the mind. The city itself is full of what can only be generalized as culture. Theaters, art galleries and sizable libraries can be found on every tier, but what they offer is not contained by their walls. Street musicians appear on every other corner, artists are easily found sketching at beautiful viewpoints or interested passersby, and people are as likely to find themselves pulled in to participate in a scene or improvisational performance as they are to witness one. Public debate and rhetoric are also valued, with credit given for style and clarity as much as substance. At the center of the city, a large conservatory teaches lessons in many fields to anyone who cares to study.
This love of culture is so encompassing that visitors who wish to acquire items or resources will find that culture is also the main form of currency. To get something, they will have to give something. Those with skills that fall into traditional arts and culture could offer a piece of art, a music lesson or participation in a debate with other philosophical scholars, perhaps. But visitors will also find that the locals have a deep hunger for information and wish to learn about other worlds; if they can offer nothing else, sitting down with a scholar to record a tale of folklore or an adventure from their own. Lessons in whatever skills they possess are likely to be eagerly sought after, although the aptitude to learn them may not be there.
For those who wish to gain resources or make purchases, a bartering economy does exist to a degree, but it is difficult to break into, as there is little that the locals would truly need from their visitors. The exchange of knowledge is much more prized. Keep in mind, though, that while the Kaittans are not ungenerous, they have an eye for value—the more precious something is, the more travelers will have to offer to earn it, and individuals have their preferences. What might be just the thing desired by one could be pooh-poohed by another.
|
|
While many on Kaittos see food as the fuel that keeps their bodies going so they may better cultivate their minds, others see cooking itself as an art. This is especially prevalent in this section of the city, located deep in the heart of the city, where chefs toil over new recipes and experiment with new ingredients, serving meals free of charge—unless you consider sitting through a lengthy survey afterwards to be a payment, of course.
Although some meals are unpalatable or even dangerous to human bodies, most can be enjoyably consumed. However, around one in five chefs make extensive use of a particular herb that is incredibly delicious—and somewhat addicting. Those who begin to develop a dependency will visit again and again, and the more they consume, the more they may not want to leave at all...
|
|
Spoken of in hushed voices, this section of woods is regarded with great caution. A space of around ten acres is home to many natural springs that form natural pools between copses of trees, many of which hang dropping branches with deep blue leaves over the surface of the water. If asked, the locals will say that this place is where some very old Kaittans—which are an extremely long-lived species—who have decided they've studied everything available in the world and mastered every skill they can, go to "renew" themselves. They prefer to speak of it in vague terms, as specific discussion of this choice is seen as something of a faux pas. If greatly pressed, it is possible to learn the details ahead of time—but difficult.
The truth is that the water of the springs, when mixed with a chemical secreted by the fallen blue leaves, represses memories of those who drink it. Not to the point of complete amnesia; a sip might do away with the recollection of a particular book that was enjoyed, while multiple glasses might hide the memory of a longer period of time. However, there is no control over what is forgotten, or how much is too much. The Kaittans who grow too frustrated with what they view as stagnancy drink to forget so they may have the joy of learning all over again, but the lack of control makes it a risky choice—and some continue to return to drink after they otherwise would have, as they have forgotten what they wanted to forget.
(Of note to those of the psychic persuasion: memories affected by the spring water are not utterly obliterated, but merely deeply sublimated. It is possible to retrieve them, but it would be a challenge, especially if the placement of the memory gaps are not obvious.) |
| While Kaittos’ architecture and culture includes plenty to admire, a few points of interest stand both literally and figuratively above the rest. Three large pyramids tower over the landscape, shining the brilliant metallic blue of a local ore. Over the coming weeks, these structures will be adorned with temporary murals and hangings—apparently, a yearly celebration is approaching.
What kind of celebration? The kind, fortunately (?), that visitors are welcome to join in! November 23 marks the anniversary of what they call the Great Awakening: a visit by a powerful spirit that opened their people's awareness to worlds and cultures outside their own. For the next few weeks, the temples offer welcome to anyone who wishes to participate in their trials. On the day of the Awakening, all who succeed will experience a remnant of the spirit's gift. While descriptions of the process vary, all center around heightened awareness: of each other, and of worlds and places far beyond their shores. Those who decide to make this attempt may choose which temple—and which trial—they would face.
Trial of Life
A test for warriors and scouts, this trial is not recommended to the casual. On entering the temple, participants will find themselves in a maze of obstacles and passages, struggling for survival against dangers both mobile and environmental. To succeed, they must pass inside with no more resources or weapons than can be carried in two hands, and survive for a period of five days. The attackers and hazards within the space are phantasms generated by the temple: solid enough to harm or kill, but prone to re-appearing even once a region should be cleared.
Needless to say, extensive warnings will be given to those expressing interest in the trial. Most who attempt do so in groups, and teamwork among participants is readily encouraged. Those who need to leave early are welcome to do so, but fleeing does count as a failure.
Trial of Communion
The inside of this temple is divided up into a series of open booths. Participants are assigned a station, and will be approached by members of the local population with various disputes that require arbitration. The purpose of the trial is twofold: to assist others with their problems, and to test those making the attempt—in patience, debate, and their skill at resolving conflict through the use of words.
No authority is granted to those taking this test. None of those who come before them are obliged to listen. The participants will be presented with conflicts that have been saved up through the year, and required to work out a solution. This can include anything from property disputes to marriage arguments to literal children's squabbles. Breaks are allowed for food and basic rest, but otherwise, those taking the trial will need to spend five days in continual discourse for the sake of others. Those who give up on any problems brought before them or resort to violence in solving them are considered to have failed the trial.
Trial of Healing
The third temple presents no dangers, whether to one's life or to one's sanity. Instead, it serves as a medical center. Those stepping inside will experience a strange peacefulness and sense of comfort—one the full-time staff confirm has helped many patients to recover. While this temple is open throughout the year, the weeks preceding the Awakening are nonetheless a time of gathering: when healers of all disciplines will come together to assist those in need.
While doctors or healers are welcome to share information with their peers, no special skill or training is required to attempt this trial. Instead, participants are asked to spend a period of ten days doing whatever work is required to assist the sick. While most of the ailments brought to the temple are longer-term in nature, it also functions as a triage center for those harmed in the Temple of Life. |
|
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
savmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thisavrou_log2017-11-09 08:50 pm
trading block
[The shift between their last conversation with him and the vision of him now do not mark any obvious correlation; they can only assume some other party was responsible. Well, good, they think. Good. Far better that he be back to his insufferable, earnest self, too eager to help and too unwilling to listen, than the self-pitying lump he's done an excellent job of impersonating since the effects of their first meeting.]
[The magic is no longer a shock, nor are his explanations regarding the Fade and related subjects, given his brief explanation of such the last time they spoke. It is the animated nature of these explanations that arrest their attention so, lifting one eyebrow in delicate observation until there's a lull in the conversation.]
You seem quite at ease in a world not your own, Mr. Lavellan.
no subject
It's not as if they're--strangers. But their interactions have been no close than those of acquaintances. Haven't they?
He waits until the last of the Kaittans have packed their goods and left, until the last of the children decide their interest is better applied elsewhere. Only then does he turn his attention exclusively to Chara.]
Story of my life. Is there a problem?
[In case you haven't noticed, he's kind of busy.]
no subject
[Just, you know. No fucking biggie. Just wanting to know why you're suddenly barfing rainbows and looking about ready to shit out a fat wad of butterflies while you're at it.]
[You'll forgive them for the mental image. It's just such an obvious contrast to pair with his earlier self.]
no subject
Don't be caught at a disadvantage; never admit to ignorance, unless it will gain favor. Of course, this is a simple conversation, not the Game, but he can't untrain himself so easily.]
Clearly, the fresh air has done me some good. [Damn. He wasn't that irritable, was he?]
no subject
Funny how that never seemed to make a difference before. Is it not?
no subject
I'm not sure what you mean. [After all, all the air onboard the Avagi is recycled.]
no subject
[They point it out slowly, as though explaining to someone very young that two plus two does indeed equal four. Which, given that they are a child and he an adult, has every reason to be supremely grating.]
no subject
You know I didn't do that on purpose, Chara.
[Indeed, this much he remembers: he encountered Chara after the episode with the demonic twins; Chara had guessed his death, and he'd guessed that his own run-in with Chara's double wasn't actually a double at all.
That they're bringing it up now is only another part of the mystery of how they think.]
no subject
[What they're not clear on is why he's made such an apparent tonal about-face now. What's changed?]
no subject
Surely I wasn't that depressing.
1/?
2/
3/
4/5
no subject
no subject
Still. There's no reason to snap at a child, so he'll struggle to remain at least somewhat peaceable.]
Chara, I can tell you right now that I don't have any idea what you're talking about, so if there's something you'd like to say you can go right ahead.
no subject
[Did he do something? That in and of itself is not so surprising - he is nearly always committing himself to feats of extreme and self-sacrificial stupidity. But this is absurd, even for him. Is it not?]
This is a poor joke, sir.
[Unless it genuinely isn’t one. And if that’s the case...]
Have you any profound associations with the word “intermediary”?
no subject
He's on the edge of a cliff, looking down into an abyss, wondering what it would be like to jump. When he jerks back to life, it's with a stammer.]
Not--not any moreso than anyone else. [It's true. His own experience with their methods starts and ends with the simulation they'd all been locked into. Why is he acting like this?] Why are you asking?
no subject
[Surely...]
[Did he do something? Did he agree to something? Wipe his mind clean? Was it that painful? Were the choices brought on by their involvement - ]
[Everything they were. Everything they did. Everything to which they contributed, good and bad, the rifting and the sinking, the rise and the fall, everything clawed from his mind until there's nothing, nothing but shreds of a child that never truly existed and they shouldn't be laughing but it's so - ]
[It's so]
[ERASE.]
[
ＥＲＡＳＥ.][I couldn't stop laughing.]
You wiped me out. You wiped me out.
no subject
He's never had much cause to speak with Chara much, before this. They're distant coworkers, nothing more. It's a mystery to him that they approached him in the first place, honestly. And while Lavellan had known of Chara's reputation for... instability, it's quite another thing for it to be thrown directly in his face.
And, as far as he knows, this is the first and only time he's had to deal with it.]
I don't have any idea what you're talking about. [He wiped them out? How? They're standing right in front of him.
He takes a wary, uncertain step back, hands held in front of him in placation, eyes darting around them both as if he can summon someone else to take care of this, someone who understands Chara and can help them in a way he isn't equipped to.] Chara, we've barely even spoken before this.
no subject
[Their voice is too loud. Too loud, too direct, too bossy, ha ha! Their smile has glued itself on, cheek to cheek, and the words tear through the stiffness of the silence, the cotton-muzz of the world that is now too fast and too loud and too immediate.]
You wiped away everything. You - you're no better than the rest of them! Anything if it means you can forget!
[God, are they - are they even real? Are they even real anymore? If they can be forgotten so easily, across so many avenues, a name polished off the plaque on a coffin and a stringy handful of bandages and a bar of chocolate and he scrubbed them out as easily as if - ]
[Easy to change, isn't it?]
[It really is.]
no subject
He knows enough of Chara that they aren't a typical child, and that they likely need something that he can't provide. Unfortunately, he has no ide who could.]
I'm sorry, I-- [He struggles to think of anything to keep it from sounding trite, but he comes up empty.] I really don't know what I've done to upset you. Is there someone I can take you to? [Someone who can help him as much as them.]
no subject
[The response is immediate, warning, paired with a lifting of their hands, palms out, as though they might ward him away. They can't look at him. God, they can't look at him. He's not even all that special! He's one of many! Who hasn't scored them from existence at this point? It's nothing new!]
[Were they stupid enough to let themself believe that things could actually be different, here?]
You think that makes you special? You think you're the first one to ERASE me?
no subject
I don't think anything. I don't know-- [But he's already said that, and it didn't get him anywhere. Another angle. There must be something.]
I've clearly missed something that's very important to you, so why don't you-- [He swallows, uncertain, a nervous tic.] Why don't you tell me what it is, so that I can help.
You haven't been erased. All right? I didn't--I didn't erase you, Chara. You're still here.
no subject
[The words are an unbroken hiss; his posture is almost familiar, but its associative nostalgia simply makes it more viscerally upsetting for reasons they don’t care to enumerate to themself.]
What was it? What finally pushed you over that edge? Was it the nightmares? Was it the annoyance? Was it not being able to last one second more in that dismal brain of yours, and taking the first option you saw? How many times will you consent to having your mind toyed with before you are content, sir?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)