| 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
Are you suggesting we hide for the next two days? That hardly seems sporting.
[ He puts the canteen away and offers her a few nutrition cubes. This is the more precious commodity, though he can get by on less than what he rationed out. There is a rustling sound, somewhere in the brush. He notes it, but is not yet concerned. ]
no subject
I think we're being hunted.
[She has to put her mouth in close to his ear to whisper.]
I don't think you have to worry about sporting. Just helping me bash in heads when the time comes.
no subject
We're always being hunted.
[ He shifts to stretch out on his stomach, silently creeping to the edge of the ledge to see what they were up against. After a moment he returns to her. ]
I count four. The snake heads. Three on the bank, one on the shoals to the south, heading this way. I can take the far one, keep it from running for reinforcements. Can you handle the three until I can get back and help?
no subject
I'll take care of it. Don't worry about me.
[It's not like she has much of a choice. She's not about to sit up here and let him fight things for her. Quietly, she exhales a shaky breath. This makes her nervous, but they don't have a choice. So she moves to stand up and moves to start climbing down.]
Don't die. I'll be cross if you do.
[She quietly says as she glances back at him, and flashes him a reckless grin before making her way down. Keeping quiet is important from there on out, as she's focused on attempting to get in close enough for a first strike. Nothing sends the message of go away like a metal spiked bat clubbing in your head.
Of course, she's tired and her shoulder's an issue. So she ends up struggling, but refuses to back down. By the time he makes it back to her, she's repeatedly bashing in a snake head and sending blood splattering all over her. She ends up knocked on her back by one of the other two, sending her weapon flying right out of her hands.]
no subject
Save at least one for me, will you? It's rude to hog all the fun to yourself.
[ He waits until she's moving before he takes a step off the ledge and silently glides down to the forest floor, and then runs quietly to the south. Once he's in range, he sends the balls shooting toward the snakehead, double tapping it, and turning to run back to Clara before they've made it back to him.
He hears, rather than sees, the metal bat landing a few feet away from her. In one fluid motion, he summons it to him, grips it firmly in both hands, and lands a solid blow on the side of the snakehead's skull. The force of it sends the snakehead flying. ]
Get up.
[ He tosses her the bat as the baoding balls come back to his hand, and he immediately sends them into the fourth snakehead's throat.
The problem with the constructs of the trial, something that Erik did not anticipate, is that they are not real. He's not entirely sure what they are, possibly some kind of incredibly advanced hologram. But what they are not made of is metal. No metal armor, no metal weapons, not so much as an earring. It's like losing one of his senses. He can't feel them approaching, or tell how many there are laying in wait. He grits his teeth in frustration and summons the baoding balls back to his palm. ]
There may be more. [ He whispers, looking around and trying to listen. ]
no subject
Her hand grabs at the bat and she moves to stand on wobbly legs. Her shoulder hurts like a bitch, but she'll live. And really, whatever doesn't kill her best run.]
There's always more.
[She flatly responds, carefully looking around for any sign of something amiss.]
There!
[She sees the movement a second too late. It's a blur as a giant beast comes charging toward them, ready to charge and knock them both over. Clara hurries off to the side, and waits for Erik to use the balls in his hand to attack. He can do it from a relative distance, giving her room to charge and slide up under the creature.
There's a risk it may stomp on her, sure, but she's got to be in really close so she can try breaking its legs with her bat. Without hesitating, she starts to swing with all her strength. There's a handful of misses, but when one finally makes contact the creature roars in rage and stumbles forward. She smashes the other leg, three times, sending it falling flat on its face. ]
Kill it!
[Yes, she's shouting and drawing attention. But bloodlust for this stupid thing that tried stomping her head in has taken over, and she wants it dead so they can maybe get a moment's peace. Just in case Erik doesn't strike right away, she lunges for the head. They can make the final blow together.]
no subject
While the constructs do not have any metal on them, the walls of the maze do at regular intervals. He uses one of the bars to quickly yank himself out of range. He has fought one of these things before. Massive, hairy, with very few weak spots. He whips the balls at the creature's temples.
Clara is magnificent, transformed from the saucy woman he had met to a flurry of bloody rage. When she shouts her command he pushes himself back over to where she and the creature are. He brings his fist down and the balls crash through the creature's teeth, smashing into it's gullet, strangling it with its own broken teeth and blood.
Or whatever the equivalent is with artificial constructs. The creature fades and he retrieves his weapons and grabs Clara, holding her close. ]
It's faster this way.
[ He whispers the explanation before lifting them into the air and back to the relative safety of the ledge. ]
no subject
You're full of surprises.
[She dryly whispers, trying to infuse humor among the violence. Safety is laughable right now, but at least she feels safe enough in his arms. Whatever abilities he has, whatever powers he possesses, she's grateful for them.]
Do you think we ought to find a better hiding place?
no subject
We could. I've managed to find some sort of perch the other nights.
[ The exhilaration of the skirmish has not faded. His senses, nerves, skin, are alive to all the stimulus around him. Right now, she is commanding much of that attention. Once again, he lifts them into the air, this time to look for a safer place to spend the night. ]
no subject
Thank you. For bringing me with you.
[He doesn't have to, but the fact that he's willing to means a lot to her. Fighting together has created a bond that's been cemented by his taking care of her like this. It's a closeness that can only really be brought on by the thrill of survival.]
How many more days do you have left?
no subject
We can rest here, but only for a few hours. There is a variety of winged phantasm that I've had to contend with, but they are diurnal and will not bother us until dawn.
[ The battle with the flying phantasms was particularly difficult, and he did not care to repeat it. He continues to hold Clara, tucked against his side.
He ought to get some rest. ]
I have two more days. And would not mind an ally, if you are amenable.
no subject
We can get a lot accomplished in a few hours.
[Rest in particular, though even with as worn as she's feeling she can't exactly just close her eyes and fall asleep. Her bat is set aside, and she takes comfort in the warmth and security that his proximity provides. Her hand seeks out and rests atop his, pressing lightly. ]
I've got one day longer than that. Consider me amenable to sticking together 'til you leave. You're sure you don't mind, though?
no subject
Not at all. You are remarkably pleasant company, Clara.
[ He stretches his legs out in front of him and drifts his fingers through her hair. The late-night skirmish has left him alert, nerves drawn taut. And Clara's savagery in battle was impressive. One side of his mouth lifts in a half-smile. ]
You're making me want to tempt fate, and take on the flying ones again.
no subject
Oh, there're better ways to tempt fate than that.
[This is edging into dangerous territory. Attachments don't tend to end well in her life. They either end up dead, or she does. Her touch is hesitant as her fingertips graze along his hand. It's meant to be a soothing touch, but really she's so primed after that fight she can't just be still.]
no subject
Do you have any ways that are particularly attractive at present?
[ He turns the hand under hers, entwines her fingers with his, then brings her fingers to his lips and kisses them softly. ]
no subject
Pretty sure we've both got the same something in mind.
[There's just a matter of there being room to go about doing it. She doesn't think it will really be a problem for either of them. Touch and be touched, it's a basal need that sometimes doesn't need rationalization. ]