| 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
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[And she sounds more amused than anything else. Like she knew she ought to be disgusted by the idea of eating shit but the presentation was just too funny.]
And that seems like a lot of effort. Leave magic to mages, if you ask me.
[Hawke laughs a little and gives a shrug.]
Don't worry, I know plenty of uncool people here. There's always time to grow into coolness anyway. Once you get older it ends up a lost cause.
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You're welcome.
(Does he sound proud? He's a teensy bit proud.
Eddie places his hands primly on his hips and just kind of sighs, looking down at his spectacular pair of tube socks.)
Yeah, I'm barely growing, let alone towards coolness.
(Eddie.
He looks up at her and blinks slowly because really.)
Okay, but you're like, the definition of cool. You don't need to worry about that.
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[She catches his eye at the boyish pleasure, grins that he is at least capable of that sort of thing and then pats his shoulder affectionately.]
I don't worry about it. When I was your age, I was short and constantly ill and terrible at magic. Now look where I am now! Tall, pretty, rich, Kirkwall's most eligible bachelorette, an arch-mage. Just give it time.
Or just sulk about it. Sulking is very satisfying sometimes.
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(At least he thinks so anyway.
He honestly couldn't imagine a little Hawke that's sick and bad at magic. Not after the display she just put on. All the same, Eddie gives her the most serious look, and then asks with perfect deadpan seriousness:)
Do I have what it takes to be the most eligible bachelorette?
(Would you look at that. He's making a joke. Hawke really is on a winning streak here.)
I'm really good at sulking, actually. If it was considered an Olympic sport, I'd probably win gold. Or be too busy sulking about it to even show up. Which, I think, maybe would be the real gold.
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[Sometimes Hawke wishes she couldn't imagine it either and yet it was who she was. From refugee to city Champion was her story and those details only made it more enticing to people. She'd come up from nothing. Been nothing. Living in hiding and trying not to starve or get caught by Templars hunting mages. What a life.
She drops down to inspect Eddie like he's some sort of prized animal and gives a nod.]
Most definitely. Be sure to eat your vegetables, practice your skills, cut your hair, and kill a dragon or two. Instant bachelorette status.
[She grins.]
And go for the gold. People love shiny things. The more shiny things you have the cooler people think you are. Even if said shiny things are pointless and just sit on your mantle.
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I'll make sure to practice wheezing, you got it. (He cracks a smile and then gives a small sound of distaste. His hands shoot up to hair.) My hair? I have nice hair.
(He styled it himself and everything. Very impressive work for a twelve year old.)
Wait- dragon? ......I'd rather ride a dragon than kill one.
(Eddie looks down at himself skeptically. Shiny things. Maybe...shoes...Like Dorothy's. Except well, you know, not hers.)
I think I get what you mean. I did find this impressive rock once that was pretty shiny. That thing does nothing
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Wheezing won't do. Anyone can wheeze. Even I'm good at wheezing. We'll need to find you something else. But you're right, you've got the hair down.[She'd ruffle his hair if she wasn't sure it would make him completely indignant and sulky. Carver was like that too. A part of her aches at that thought.]
Agreed. Though most dragons I've found don't seem to be fond of being ridden. Or anything except trying to eat you. Never give up the dream though.
[She raises herself back up to a standing position. Hawke is tall and her slight build makes her seem even taller.]
Just make them think that shiny rock means something. Then it becomes a very impressive shiny rock.
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(Hawke had a pretty good atmosphere about her. It was hard to want to sulk too bad with her sort of personality. It's not the first time Eddie's opened up to someone with ridiculous humor.)
Well you got me beat on that one. I can probably list just about every illness known to man - (At least during the 1950s anyway) - But I'm not so sure that's a skill. I'm pretty good with directions.
(He does seem pretty proud of his hair when she compliments it. He might not have minded the ruffling too much. That was a real hit or miss wit him.)
That's too bad. It'd be pretty sweet to come in on a dragon to pretty much anywhere.
(Oh, he wouldn't. She is tall. Seeing her back on her feet only makes Eddie try and stand taller himself. Does no real good. Kid's 5'3. Practically a legal shrimp.)
That's a good point. Isn't that what they did with diamonds? And technically all money, I guess.
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[She grins at him standing up straighter to try and match her. She's never really found her height impressive. She mostly found that it made her gangly and sort of awkward and without any curves to speak of. Other people seemed to like it though. Idly, she reaches over and ruffles his hair like she used to do Carver. It's funny how it's still a natural instinct even though Carver hadn't been that age and that size in so long.]
Wouldn't it? We ought to make it a quest. Every planet we go to we'll have to do thorough research about the possibility of riding a dragon.
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(Eddie instantly and easily agrees to that much. He tried to remember just about everywhere he went if he could help it.
When you were a 5'3 boy, just about anyone's height was impressive by comparison. Eddie doesn't quite expect the ruffling, and he startles a teensy bit over it, but otherwise says nothing. The tips of his ears do go a little pink, however. Women usually weren't the ones ruffling his hair, after all.
The prospect of having a quest with Hawke thrills him.)
Wait, really? Could we make it a quest? I'm really good at exploring.
(Except when he found himself getting petrified, but he doesn't mention that of course.)
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[She wraps an arm around him like you would a good buddy.]
"Eddie: Dragons of the Universe". Or something like that. We'll work on the title.
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She really could crush him if she wanted to, he thinks.)
I've never done a quest period.
(He laughs loudly- which in and of itself feels good.)
Jeez, that'd be wild. I wouldn't mind being a dragon specialist. Even if it isn't covered.
(By health insurance, he means.)
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Well. Everyone has to start questing somewhere. Then suddenly everyone and their mother has a quest about this or that and you seem to be the only one who can do it.
[She shrugs, still keeping a lazy arm around him. She's clueless as to what health insurance is and its probably best for his own sanity he doesn't explain it. Or else he'll get a lot of stories about her falling off cliffs and such.]
Right? I hope to retire and become one someday. Sounds loads more fun than what I'm doing now. Less responsibility, more fire and sharp claws.