| 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...
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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.
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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...
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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. |
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thisavrou_log2017-11-09 08:50 pm
no subject
Let alone grin throughout.
Not intended, no, but that doesn't stop Sans from wrapping a firm, belated arm around Eddie in a tight squeeze.]
Huh, wow. [They're called nasal conchas, kid. He'll get you a skeletal diagram later.] That does smell good. What'd you have to trade to get that?
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It felt good to be hugged. Eddie couldn't remember the last time (the last time had a pair of glasses pressed against the side of his head- a memory vague and scratched at the surface) anyone hugged him. That tight, tight air-snug feeling fills his chest again. Inexplicable and just between his fingers.
Nasal conchas. God, Eddie would get a kick out of that term.)
Just some knowledge. Apparently chlamydia and stuff is really interesting to foreigners. Enough to give stuff away for it.
no subject
It should have felt stranger than it did, but there was stillness and calm in the simplicity of the affection. It reminded him of... well. Eddie was still wearing his armor, wasn't he?]
Chlamydia? [Sounded like some sort of strange flower, but something told Sans his instincts were wrong on that one. Sans relaxes his arms, releasing Eddie once more.] Sounds kinda spooky. What else have you been trading for?
no subject
He nods very sagely.)
Chlamydia. It's what some people get from having sex. It makes your - you know- parts rot and fall off.
(He says this with a very grave expression.)
Mostly just that. Although some people gave me random stuff for information that I didn't know what to do with so I traded them in.
no subject
The expression on his face at parts rotting was... well. An indescribable smile.]
Y'see, that's why I don't walk around with any parts. [He winks, trying to shake that particular grim image from his head. Grave indeed.] But hey, you seem like you've got more facts where that came from. Got your eye on anything cool?
[Like a toy, Sans hopes. Something that isn't soap or shampoo, anyway.]
no subject
He does look mournfully down at himself.)
You're lucky.
(Did Sans even know how many problems 'parts' could have? Probably not if he didn't have any. Eddie still believed in the hairy-palm myth, for Christ's sake. This kid had no hope of a healthy lifestyle.
His eyes pick back up and thank God too. Eddie doesn't need to despair over sex any more than he already has.)
Um not really. I saw this nice shirt a few vendors back? (It had a hood, which Eddie thought was very cool. As for toys? Nope. He seemed pretty determined to get cleaning things and necessary things.)
Have you gotten anything?
no subject
A fact Eddie clearly knew all too well.]
N' yeah, I've got my eye on a few things. [Though what, Sans doesn't elaborate on. Not yet, anyway.] You should show me that nice shirt.
[One with a hood? Well, Sans would certainly agree, hoods were Very cool.]
You wanna walk down this way? There was a bunch of cool stuff. I'm pretty sure I saw some fireworks.
no subject
(Eddie explains this all in a very simple, matter-of-fact fashion, because he's been ingrained with this stuff since childhood. Not only from his mother, but his entire town. Not that he remembers the specifics of the town anymore or the events within it, but things like 'Put Nails in the Eyes of Queers' being carved into the Kissing Bridge resonates somewhere deep inside of him. It cages him in and is sometimes half the reason he stays awake at night, clutching at his aspirator and trying to ignore the strange shapes shadows can take on his walls.
Questioning parts was rude, wasn't it? Eddie was pretty sure he'd die on the spot if anyone asked him about his parts.
Eddie considers this and eventually nods. It looked like a pretty warm shirt.) I think I remember where it is.
(He begins to walk.) Maybe we can find some of your things on the way! If you need help getting stuff, I can try and talk to people too.
(Of course, the mention of fireworks brings an actual light to Eddie's eyes.)
Fireworks? Are you serious! (Excitement rushes through him but also anxiety. They were dangerous. He could blow his hand off. But...
They were fireworks.)
no subject
[Sans smiles, pushing through his own confused parsing of Eddie's story. There was a lot to take in, and it was spoken with such certainty that Sans couldn't quite cobble together a response before Eddie was already off on another topic. Sans' things, offering to help, excited about the chance at a little danger...
He didn't want to go back, to plunge Eddie into questions about his Mom, about her insistence on sickness. He knew what a 'faggot' was, if only through J. All of it sat strangely at the back of his skull; that someone so young could already carry such decided -- and incorrect -- opinions. It spoke to the fact that they were never really his opinions at all.
But there would be a time to bring it up, perhaps sooner rather than later. Here, in the middle of town, among the noise and bustle of the city, was not the place for it. Sans tucks it away for now.
When he speaks again, the force of his cheer is much more convincing.]
You wanna go get some? Set 'em off over near the forest?
no subject
So Eddie just grins, not thinking twice, not really expecting that maybe a conversation would follow all this. Instead, his mind is focused on the exciting idea of fireworks.)
Should we set it off there? I don't want to set the forest on fire. I hear third degree burns are awful.
(Eddie was. A lot sometimes. Though his enthusiasm was clear and as Sans would discover much like Eddie's friends from Derry, it actually didn't take that much to convince him to do things.)
Should we wait til it's a little darker too?
no subject
[And at Eddie's mention of the day, Sans merely chuckles.]
You think we're gonna be able to get 'em that fast? Sun starts setting in two hours.
[There's a hint of a good natured challenge in his voice. Eddie already proved himself good enough to acquire soap.
How about acquiring something a little more fun?]
no subject
(Now that would be awesome.
Eddie nearly stops moving, but instead only stutters to a slower pace. He stares at Sans because yeah, he definitely heard that little bit of challenge.)
Oh, hell yeah. Two hours is plenty of time. (He tips his head up to look up at the sky before looking back at Sans.)
Just point me in the direction and I'll get us more fireworks than we'll be able to hold.
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He looks at his (definitely watchless) wrist, tapping it lightly.]
Right down here. [He directs Eddie down towards a particular stand, lively decorated with its explosive contents.] I'm timing you, kid. You got this.
no subject
Because Eddie gets right into it, showing a certain kind of excitement that was unbridled by anxieties.
He keeps an eye on the explosives and moves onto the seller. A man (or woman? Eddie couldn't tell) who was very much interested in the history of polio. Eddie begins talking about when it was first discovered, the symptoms, how people were still freaking out ('My mom wouldn't let me swim in the public pool because...') and all the gory details in between.
It didn't take Eddie long before he had a handful of explosives and a rather smug smile on his face.)
Think this will be enough?
no subject
It's a brief thought, one that he quickly moves past. That's not the guy he is these days.
When Eddie returns, Sans' perpetual grin splits into something more genuine.]
Damn, kid. What'd you have to give 'em for all that, a brief history of time?
no subject
But just talking about it surprisingly didn't seem to rile Eddie up too bad. He didn't put himself into hysterics just talking about this stuff. Not entirely hopeless.
It helps significantly that he was talking about it to get fireworks. To prove himself worthwhile in some small way.)
I did talk a little about the invention of antibacterial soap and how it changed the medical field completely.
no subject
A strange, specific one, but a hobby nonetheless. There was no mistaking the glee on the kid's face upon turning all that know-how into tangible benefit, either.]
Well, sounds like you're my new secret weapon around here. [He scans back over the sky, sun sinking lower in the sky. It would be dark sooner rather than later, and Sans turns back to Eddie with a quick wink.] Say, you wanna start treking out towards the lake?
I know a shortcut, if you're interested.
no subject
He makes a mental note of where the fireworks are too should he need more later for...reasons.)
Me? A weapon? (Eddie snorts, looking delighted by the idea.) You sure picked a lousy weapon.
(He gives a quick nod. He knew the way, but he did not know a short cut and that instantly intrigues him.)
Of course I'm interested. (The sooner they got these puppies lit, the better in Eddie's humble opinion. In speaking of which...)
You have matches or something, right?