[ I’ll give you your map results first: from this room chamber it seems you can make your way two directions: to the east is the DISEASE LABORATORY rumored to be very gross but also full of incredibly valuable potions and poisons - things that modern mages and learned types haven’t been able to recreate at all. If there is something you need cured … this might be the place to look.
To the west is the DAWN CRUCIBLE. A research facility, though very little remains of what they were actually studying. There are rumors of another Crest Hub in this direction.
You all settle in to study the journal, which seems right. It’s actually nice and warm all huddled around it. At first, none of it makes much sense - the writing is archaic and dense and there actually seems to be several authors, all intermingled, writing next to each other, over one another, on folded sheets of paper and shoved into the margins.
The easiest story to pick apart is that of a mage and his small research group - much like yours but less charming. He’s an evocative writer, explaining his woes and troubles with getting funding for his projects compared to the other, flashiest students at the Academy. He has decided to come here, to Aeor, to find something of interest in the ruins and hopefully use whatever he finds to improve his academic standing. In the end, his rival will have a talking dog, and he will have the secrets of the universe.
He came across this journal and found it helpful, and also started recording his thoughts in it. He speaks of seeking the Crests - of which you all have found 1/3 of one - and how they are vitally important to … something. He also speaks of being slightly concerned about the marks on his body, but perhaps he’ll seek answers elsewhere about that. It also warns that magic behaves very oddly here in Eiselcross and to be careful with the casting of it, it often will go wrong with catastrophic results.
That’s as far as you can get tonight. You’re all so tired. Maybe you should sleep. Or you do, even without meaning to.
Margaret: You have a lovely dream.
One of a fairer, more just world. People are rewarded here for their merit, their strengths of character, the drive they show rather than simply being born into a role that’s been handed to them. Everyone, from the lowly Backwater planet shopkeeper to the Princeps gets a say in how they are governed, in the choices they get to make. A red eye opens on the back of your palm. It’s a system where if you work hard, you can make it and lend a hand to help up everyone else instead of kicking them off of the ladder. A red eye opens, and a woman’s (well. Android’s), bright and sweet, with a southern accent: `We can make it happen! I just need a little of your help.`
Owner: You have a lovely dream.
You’re at the edge of a great ocean, waves lapping. Stars shine down and everything is calm and peaceful. You’re walking down the beach, contemplating. Eventually, you come across a boat, oars pulled across it. A red eye opens on the side of your neck. You climb into it, and start to row, and you feel as if … this is it. Peace. As you row out further, the ocean gets darker, cooler, the stars blink out one by one. This could be …
A voice, a young man’s: `I can help you too. Like you helped me. But I need something first.`
Sidon: You have a lovely dream.
You’re not ascended to the throne yet, it seems. Your father still lives, strong, and healthy, so your only concerns now are walking amongst your people, seeing to their needs - which, these days, aren’t really many. Someone has a small dispute over fish, or a teenage girl has a strange obsession with a Hylian man down the river, but really, small problems to solve. A red eye opens on your palm. Mipha runs her soothing magic a blonde Hylian boy, who probably just sprained something doing some silly nonsense like trying to jump off the tallest waterfall in the Kingdom again. They laugh together.
Mipha turns to you from where she’s sitting, and in her sweet, calm voice says: `We can make it true. I just need your help, brother.`
Guy: You have a lovely dream.
It’s kind of chaotic, actually. You think everyone is preparing for a party … ? Your sister chases Anise down the hall as she runs, and Luke chases after the both of them, yelling. No one seems worried, really. About anything. Maybe they should be? The future is so unclear, sometimes. There’s no guiding force, nothing is written. Anything could happen. But there’s freedom in that. A red eye opens on your shoulder. These people are all so young, and innocent. They haven’t experienced war, or suffering, or loss. As you walk into the hall where everyone is setting out food, Van Grants lifts a cup to you.
`We could make it happen. I just need your help.`
You get the feeling you should collect a Threshold Crest. ]
[margaret wakes up the next morning, rested from the dream but also not. her mood this morning is concerned, a little less optimistic than she was the previous morning. but she'll still gather their rations and set out breakfast, though she keeps to herself as she eats, the book close at hand.
she looks all of them over - guy, sidon, owner - a frown on her face, but she eases again into a smile.]
Listen, I think the disease laboratory is just too dangerous for us. We should head the other direction - better opportunities, and less potential to get cursed.
[but she will also at some point try to pull guy aside without the others around.]
Hm? Well, if you are sure, Margaret. You always know best.
[ owner will pack away his loot that he robbed, taking care to put them away neatly. he glances at margaret, before looking over to sidon. he whispers to him, ]
It would be nice if she let someone else hold that book, wouldn't it? We should maybe see if we can take turns, I am getting worried she is too obsessed with it.
[ he's stretching out as owner approaches, greeting him with a smile. he's rested, he had a nice dream, he's injured but today will be better.
except this is a little concerning. ]
Really? [ also should they be taking this stone or just leaving it, he'll pack it away safely if it's their travel companion now. he looks torn, speaking quietly. ] I have my concerns with Margaret, but... I don't wish to doubt her.
[ still, wouldn't hurt to pass the book around a little, probably. ]
.... I do think we should start with the Dawn Crucible, like Margaret said. But there might be useful potions in the Disease Laboratory, so let's keep it in mind for later, okay?
[ guy also wants to talk to margaret privately, so it's not hard for the two of them to meet up in a quiet corner or something ]
Hey, Margaret? I need to talk to you about something.
Of course, anything. But first, I just - [she looks conflicted, to even bring this up, and there's a glance towards sidon and owner.]
Look, I can trust you, right, Guy? I hate to even say something like this, but it's Sidon. He's been acting so weird lately. I'm not sure if he's just going through a rough time or what, but I'm a little worried.
[it's sidon, he's the nicest and friendliest guy in the group, but he's also so much bigger and stronger than any of them.]
I just need to know that if something happens, I can count on you.
I think she is just too caught up in her work. Which is fine, for the kind of job we are doing, but these kinds of things that we are looking into... they can mess with your head. I am worried. Taking turns with it really will be for the best.
[ is margaret looking over here? he pretends like he did not notice her looking over here. ]
I am not sure if Guy would be able to help us, as he tends to lag behind and let us get hit by rocks.
[ but he will keep finishing getting ready to make it not seem like he is only gossiping ]
...No, you're right, of course. It must be weighing on her. Otherwise I don't think she'd usually be as... callous as she has been, lately.
[ her scruples seem to be slipping? it's kind of not the margaret he knows and adores, maybe it'd be good for her not to have to carry their incredibly important book all the time.
he doesn't comment on guy, but he does finish packing up. ]
Let's try to bring it up. Truth be told, I actually wanted to go to the disease laboratory, so we ought to try communicating more.
Of course you can trust me, Margaret. [ putting a hand on her shoulder and giving it a little squeeze with a reassuring smile. yes, you can count on him! ] And I hear you. I think we're all under a lot of stress.
But... there's something else I wanted to ask you. Do you remember last night?
[ he's a little restless at how this morning has gone, the decisions made and discussions to be had, but he grins when owner pats him. they're still a team. even if there's some fraying, that's natural with how nearly they've dodged death—things will improve. ]
Yes, all sorts of... diseases! We'll get there. Thank you for talking with me, Owner—I feel better knowing we're looking after one another.
After that... in the middle of the night, I found you awake with the journal. Just... sitting there, staring into space. I tried to snap you out of it, but it didn't work. Nothing could budge you. You don't remember that?
[ wow. what a terrifying thing guy just said. well. it's probably fine?
you all can walk and talk, talk and walk. The Dawn Crucible is quite the hike away it seems like - the map made it seem so close! What a goddamn liar it is.
It seems like endless hallways of nothingness and ice for a long time, maybe you pass the time chatting or arguing or singing 99 bottles of beer on the wall. You’ll figure it out. Eventually, you realize that you’ve passed into another Ward - the architecture changes, and looks … extravagant. Rich. More arcane lights seem to remain flickering on in this area, their warm yellow glow illuminating the way. It’s even verging on warm in here it seems like.
Eventually, though, as you’re quietly walking along … you hear something.
Voices, in the distances. Three, maybe four. Speaking … Xhorhasian … ? ]
[she frowns when guy speaks, and gives him an uncertain glance.]
No, of course I remember that. I was just really focused - reading isn't that easy. Sorry to have worried you.
[anyway, off we go. sounds like it's time for our charm skills to come into play. she'll hide the journal in her bag and then approach. can she speak business xhorhasian?]
[ it's a little easier to lighten up when they get to chat about nothing in particular on the way here, like how charles and arthur might be doing. also, it's warmer here? this is nice.
he gives whoever is up ahead a wave and warm, relieved smile, though he does place himself a little ahead of the others just in case their reception is less than friendly. ]
[ before they set off, he has one private aside to margaret ]
No, don't apologize for that. But please, Margaret.... don't push yourself too hard. I'm here for you. I know you're worried about Sidon, but... even if he is acting strange, you mean a lot to him. Owner, too.
[ like sidon, the chatting about nothing puts him a little more at ease..... it's a bit nostalgic, even, to be walking and talking just like charles and arthur. ]
[ he similarly gives the three approaching a bright smile ]
[ As you turn the corner. Three very heavily armored Drow turn to face you. They are decked out in full armor, lined with fur, and two of them have fucking enormous swords. A third holds a staff, and looks ... magicky.
They are immediately levelling their weapons at you, but I will say between how UTTERLY charming you all are, and Margaret's Business Xhorhasian, they don't immediately attack.
[the walk does set her at ease a little, though after a while it stops seeming to work. you can hear her muttering he would not fucking say that at one point.
but the charm is on with these xhorhasians. she will hold out a hand for a shake.]
Oh, absolutely.
[oh you guys brought weapons and magic? losers.]
I get it. You know, if I ventured to the bottom of a spooky ruin with armor and weapons and I encountered a group who made it here with none of those things, I guess my first thought would also be "uh-oh, those guys are probably insanely dangerous," so I might also get a bit defensive. But it's not like that, we're actually a really nice bunch. No trouble here, either. Big fan of Xhorhas, actually.
Anyway, nice meeting you! We just need to squeeze on past you guys.
Yes. We just need to keep moving, if you do not mind.
[ he smiles, full of charm, which is his stat, that he can use.
... before taking a step forward, and it is very neat that he now does have some spells, because sometimes you obtain access to fireball, which is pretty cool. and sometimes you are very suddenly going to use it, aiming it at the one with the staff. ]
[ they are doing their best to keep their spirits up! it's fine! just kidding, it's not, this is a charthur shaped band-aid on a growing wound, but it's okay. they're talking to these guys now.
he keeps an eye on the weapons, at once friendly and ready to draw his own if it turns out these guys are more trouble than they say. ]
Plenty of wealth around for all of us! Stay safe out—
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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To the west is the DAWN CRUCIBLE. A research facility, though very little remains of what they were actually studying. There are rumors of another Crest Hub in this direction.
You all settle in to study the journal, which seems right. It’s actually nice and warm all huddled around it. At first, none of it makes much sense - the writing is archaic and dense and there actually seems to be several authors, all intermingled, writing next to each other, over one another, on folded sheets of paper and shoved into the margins.
The easiest story to pick apart is that of a mage and his small research group - much like yours but less charming. He’s an evocative writer, explaining his woes and troubles with getting funding for his projects compared to the other, flashiest students at the Academy. He has decided to come here, to Aeor, to find something of interest in the ruins and hopefully use whatever he finds to improve his academic standing. In the end, his rival will have a talking dog, and he will have the secrets of the universe.
He came across this journal and found it helpful, and also started recording his thoughts in it. He speaks of seeking the Crests - of which you all have found 1/3 of one - and how they are vitally important to … something. He also speaks of being slightly concerned about the marks on his body, but perhaps he’ll seek answers elsewhere about that. It also warns that magic behaves very oddly here in Eiselcross and to be careful with the casting of it, it often will go wrong with catastrophic results.
That’s as far as you can get tonight. You’re all so tired. Maybe you should sleep. Or you do, even without meaning to.
Margaret: You have a lovely dream.
One of a fairer, more just world. People are rewarded here for their merit, their strengths of character, the drive they show rather than simply being born into a role that’s been handed to them. Everyone, from the lowly Backwater planet shopkeeper to the Princeps gets a say in how they are governed, in the choices they get to make. A red eye opens on the back of your palm. It’s a system where if you work hard, you can make it and lend a hand to help up everyone else instead of kicking them off of the ladder. A red eye opens, and a woman’s (well. Android’s), bright and sweet, with a southern accent: `We can make it happen! I just need a little of your help.`
Owner: You have a lovely dream.
You’re at the edge of a great ocean, waves lapping. Stars shine down and everything is calm and peaceful. You’re walking down the beach, contemplating. Eventually, you come across a boat, oars pulled across it. A red eye opens on the side of your neck. You climb into it, and start to row, and you feel as if … this is it. Peace. As you row out further, the ocean gets darker, cooler, the stars blink out one by one. This could be …
A voice, a young man’s: `I can help you too. Like you helped me. But I need something first.`
Sidon: You have a lovely dream.
You’re not ascended to the throne yet, it seems. Your father still lives, strong, and healthy, so your only concerns now are walking amongst your people, seeing to their needs - which, these days, aren’t really many. Someone has a small dispute over fish, or a teenage girl has a strange obsession with a Hylian man down the river, but really, small problems to solve. A red eye opens on your palm. Mipha runs her soothing magic a blonde Hylian boy, who probably just sprained something doing some silly nonsense like trying to jump off the tallest waterfall in the Kingdom again. They laugh together.
Mipha turns to you from where she’s sitting, and in her sweet, calm voice says: `We can make it true. I just need your help, brother.`
Guy: You have a lovely dream.
It’s kind of chaotic, actually. You think everyone is preparing for a party … ? Your sister chases Anise down the hall as she runs, and Luke chases after the both of them, yelling. No one seems worried, really. About anything. Maybe they should be? The future is so unclear, sometimes. There’s no guiding force, nothing is written. Anything could happen. But there’s freedom in that. A red eye opens on your shoulder. These people are all so young, and innocent. They haven’t experienced war, or suffering, or loss. As you walk into the hall where everyone is setting out food, Van Grants lifts a cup to you.
`We could make it happen. I just need your help.`
You get the feeling you should collect a Threshold Crest. ]
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she looks all of them over - guy, sidon, owner - a frown on her face, but she eases again into a smile.]
Listen, I think the disease laboratory is just too dangerous for us. We should head the other direction - better opportunities, and less potential to get cursed.
[but she will also at some point try to pull guy aside without the others around.]
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[ owner will pack away his loot that he robbed, taking care to put them away neatly. he glances at margaret, before looking over to sidon. he whispers to him, ]
It would be nice if she let someone else hold that book, wouldn't it? We should maybe see if we can take turns, I am getting worried she is too obsessed with it.
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except this is a little concerning. ]
Really? [ also should they be taking this stone or just leaving it, he'll pack it away safely if it's their travel companion now. he looks torn, speaking quietly. ] I have my concerns with Margaret, but... I don't wish to doubt her.
[ still, wouldn't hurt to pass the book around a little, probably. ]
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[ guy also wants to talk to margaret privately, so it's not hard for the two of them to meet up in a quiet corner or something ]
Hey, Margaret? I need to talk to you about something.
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Of course, anything. But first, I just - [she looks conflicted, to even bring this up, and there's a glance towards sidon and owner.]
Look, I can trust you, right, Guy? I hate to even say something like this, but it's Sidon. He's been acting so weird lately. I'm not sure if he's just going through a rough time or what, but I'm a little worried.
[it's sidon, he's the nicest and friendliest guy in the group, but he's also so much bigger and stronger than any of them.]
I just need to know that if something happens, I can count on you.
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[ is margaret looking over here? he pretends like he did not notice her looking over here. ]
I am not sure if Guy would be able to help us, as he tends to lag behind and let us get hit by rocks.
[ but he will keep finishing getting ready to make it not seem like he is only gossiping ]
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[ her scruples seem to be slipping? it's kind of not the margaret he knows and adores, maybe it'd be good for her not to have to carry their incredibly important book all the time.
he doesn't comment on guy, but he does finish packing up. ]
Let's try to bring it up. Truth be told, I actually wanted to go to the disease laboratory, so we ought to try communicating more.
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But... there's something else I wanted to ask you. Do you remember last night?
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[um.]
Of course I do. We read the journal, looked at the map...
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[ he pats sidon sympathetically. ]
We can try to get to the lab after. I am sure the diseases there will be quite useful to us.
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Yes, all sorts of... diseases! We'll get there. Thank you for talking with me, Owner—I feel better knowing we're looking after one another.
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After that... in the middle of the night, I found you awake with the journal. Just... sitting there, staring into space. I tried to snap you out of it, but it didn't work. Nothing could budge you. You don't remember that?
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you all can walk and talk, talk and walk. The Dawn Crucible is quite the hike away it seems like - the map made it seem so close! What a goddamn liar it is.
It seems like endless hallways of nothingness and ice for a long time, maybe you pass the time chatting or arguing or singing 99 bottles of beer on the wall. You’ll figure it out. Eventually, you realize that you’ve passed into another Ward - the architecture changes, and looks … extravagant. Rich. More arcane lights seem to remain flickering on in this area, their warm yellow glow illuminating the way. It’s even verging on warm in here it seems like.
Eventually, though, as you’re quietly walking along … you hear something.
Voices, in the distances. Three, maybe four. Speaking … Xhorhasian … ? ]
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No, of course I remember that. I was just really focused - reading isn't that easy. Sorry to have worried you.
[anyway, off we go. sounds like it's time for our charm skills to come into play. she'll hide the journal in her bag and then approach. can she speak business xhorhasian?]
Hello there?
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but owner doesn't want to be annoyed with margaret, so he will follow her lead. charm! use your charm points!! ]
Is there someone else here? We are so lucky to have found you, this has been quite a journey.
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he gives whoever is up ahead a wave and warm, relieved smile, though he does place himself a little ahead of the others just in case their reception is less than friendly. ]
1/2
No, don't apologize for that. But please, Margaret.... don't push yourself too hard. I'm here for you. I know you're worried about Sidon, but... even if he is acting strange, you mean a lot to him. Owner, too.
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[ he similarly gives the three approaching a bright smile ]
Hey there.
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They are immediately levelling their weapons at you, but I will say between how UTTERLY charming you all are, and Margaret's Business Xhorhasian, they don't immediately attack.
`... Move along and we'll have no trouble.` ]
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but the charm is on with these xhorhasians. she will hold out a hand for a shake.]
Oh, absolutely.
[oh you guys brought weapons and magic? losers.]
I get it. You know, if I ventured to the bottom of a spooky ruin with armor and weapons and I encountered a group who made it here with none of those things, I guess my first thought would also be "uh-oh, those guys are probably insanely dangerous," so I might also get a bit defensive. But it's not like that, we're actually a really nice bunch. No trouble here, either. Big fan of Xhorhas, actually.
Anyway, nice meeting you! We just need to squeeze on past you guys.
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[ he smiles, full of charm, which is his stat, that he can use.
... before taking a step forward, and it is very neat that he now does have some spells, because sometimes you obtain access to fireball, which is pretty cool. and sometimes you are very suddenly going to use it, aiming it at the one with the staff. ]
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he keeps an eye on the weapons, at once friendly and ready to draw his own if it turns out these guys are more trouble than they say. ]
Plenty of wealth around for all of us! Stay safe out—
[ anyway a fireball happens ]
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We're just passing through, so---
[ and then a fucking fireball happens ]
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DAY 3
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