EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

[aionmods]

The Empty Throne Pt 2

ESCAPE

As more and more of the prisoners awaken to the Pleroma's power, it soon becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. Strength that was locked away blossoms once again, and simply waiting is no longer an option; those that remain in the cavern have made their choice, and they will not be kept there so easily.

By means that may not be immediately apparent, the Pleroma have found themselves able to cast a spell that will ensure their freedom... but only if they can last the half hour it may take to complete. Whatever this power, Xishen, the Aion orchestrator of the Kenoma's ritual, seems able to sense it. As it begins, she will appear at each of the Kenoma's sides.

"The Pleroma has taken hold of them," she says. "Stop them now, or when you see them again, it will be as your mortal enemies. If you believe in the Kenoma's promise, take a stand. The Regent is watching."

For those that heed her, it will not be hard to find the congregation of Pleroma, the first seeds of their teleportation magic taking form. What's more, the fires of their hope have been stoked by this new chance at survival, granted them a surge of energy born of the Pleroma, compensating for the poor state of their bodies. The tension comes to a head, between those that would follow the Regent's path towards a better universe, and those that would seize the wild power of the Pleroma to escape.

Whatever violence ensues, eventually it will come to an end. Despite the Kenoma's efforts, the teleportation spell will come to fruition, enveloping the Pleroma in a sea of light and warmth. The Kenoma can only watch as fractals of blinding color whisk the Pleroma away.

VALLEY OF INNOCENCE

You will find yourself at the Shrine of the Innocent, surrounded by a valley of flourishing wildflowers. As you step from the shade of the monument, you will find your arrived here just in time to enjoy a warm spring spring morning, the sound of birds and gentle breezes tickling your ears. The sun slowly drifts past the horizon, its rays reaching out to you, as if in comfort. The air itself is alight with a strange aura of peace, as if committing violence here would be a sacrilege. There are no man made structures as far as your eyes can see.

Flowers of all shapes and sizes can be found here, and so can fresh water and various fruits and berries. All of them are safe to eat, and seemingly grow in abundance. There are animals here as well, all the common types one would expect from a place like Earth, with the occasional odd addition. While you can try to hunt them, you will find yourself unable to follow through on any attempts to hurt the creatures here. In turn, they regard you as familiar, and will fearlessly wander close as they inspect these new arrivals. In the distance, you may even catch sight of what appears to be a unicorn, only for its ephemeral shape to disappear from sight just as quickly.

The Pleroma will find safety and comfort here for a time, before they recover enough to travel onward. At some point during the afternoon of the first day, they may spot the occasional humanoid figure moving in the distance; when attempting to move in their direction, they will find an assortment of clothing set out across the grass as if in offering. It will come in many sizes but in mostly plain colors, fitting a general aesthetic of 'things a fantasy peasant might wear'. There will also be some blankets, wrapped cheese, jams, jerky, and bread left alongside them.

While there are trees and brush enough to find shelter, the Pleroma will find they hardly need to while resting here. The weather will be picturesque, a comfortable temperature even at night, and there will be no disruptive rain or aggressive wind. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even though there could stay here for days, what if the Regent's forces are on their way? Once again, they must find the strength to carry on.

THE TRIWATER

As the Pleroma vanish, those claimed by the Kenoma are left in the darkness of the throne room. The Hylician soldiers are clearly agitated by the fighting, but Xishen herself seems unflustered. She will only sigh before quietly coming to the aid of any Kenoma that still need it, providing some light healing magics and explaining that their work here is over. With the Pleroma gone, all that's left to do is to return to Achamoth.

Things move quickly from there. The camp grounds are packed up, and soon enough the Kenoma will be ushered towards the river at the edge of the forest, to board a particularly large river vessel. As the Hylician soldiers prepare to go their separate ways, you will be told that you are to take the Triwater river to the capital city of Achamoth, where you will finally meet your new master, the Regent. The vessel is big enough for all of you, and it will set off the moment everyone is boarded. Suddenly, the world of entrapment and ruins you've been living in since your arrival will be left behind, leaving you to ponder the nature of your future.

The boat itself is well equipped and comfortable for what it is. A variety of colorful hammocks are hung in the lower decks and are open to be claimed for the journey back, which will take a day or two. The Kenoma will be offered a change of clothes of a similar style to what they already have if necessary, and there are plenty of blankets and cushions available to make life in the hold more comfortable. There are dice available for games of chance as well as some mystifying decks of cards that seems to have twelve suits with five cards each, themed around the Legacies. The twelfth suit is for the Regent.

Though the sailors controlling the vessel will mostly keep to themselves and leave the Kenoma alone, one of them will occasionally play harp music on the deck. Though they probably don't actually need help running the ship, they will let the Kenoma help them with chores and ship running tasks if they are so inclined; generally speaking, these sailors just seem like normal people, albeit a bit shy of their passengers. If you're polite to them, they may even gives you a river tour of Horos. On this ride alone, you'll get to see several magnificent bridges spanning the Triwater's width. At night, you are treated to a clear spring sky filled with stars.

As you make it closer to Achamoth, you'll notice the landscape shift, becoming mountainous and dotted with more and more military watch posts. The land becomes increasingly lifeless in a way that's hard to put your finger on, nature giving way to man-made creations of impressive architectural prowess. Soon, you will meet the person behind it all.

QUESTIONS

Can my Kenoma character fight against other Kenoma and/or help the Pleroma?
Yes, though if you do this you must describe what your character has done in a reply to the "Committed Actions" top-level below. This way, the mods can be aware of what happened and have your character treated accordingly. They are unlikely to receive immediate consequences if they don't hurt their fellow Kenoma, but their choices will follow them into Achamoth. If a Kenoma vs Kenoma conflict escalates into serious violence (attempted or successful) committed by the Kenoma rebel, Xishen will intervene and consequences will happen immediately which may restrict their actions until the next event post.

Can our characters leave the valley?
They can, yes, but really this event is just meant to cover the day or two they spend recovering before finding a more permanent place to go. You are free to have your character investigate the valley and probe the spaces beyond it, but please save any plans for large scale travel to the next event, which will be happening on April 2nd. The game will move into a 1:1 time ratio as of then.

Can our characters leave the boat?
Technically yes, but any Kenoma who wander too far will get in trouble. You are expected to report to the Regent, and behaving as if you are considering doing otherwise will not make an good impression.

Does the hope-based Pleroma boost last into the valley?
The boost to Pleroma characters will fade shortly after arriving in the valley, like coming down from a high. They'll have to recover the normal way from there.

Comments

The Triwater - For the Kenoma

[lachtara]

Healing
The battle seemed... trying for those involved. Emet-Selch had looked on while others fought. Though he had felt the pull to join in the conflict, he opted to observe from the shadows instead. The intent is to observe those he had as potential allies, watch those who were potential adversaries, and think how each could best be utilized.

Now they find themselves on board a waterborne vessel where those who had participated can nurse their wounds. Helping with that effort seems like a promising way to nurture the idea that they are allies.

So Emet-Selch would make his way around the boat with the intent of looking for those who were injured. When he comes across someone with an obvious injury - evident by blood, bruises, or even nursing a ligament, he will sigh and extend a hand. "Show me."

Cards
There is an assortment of 'luxuries' on the ship as opposed to what they had the last few weeks. Various food, somewhat comfortable sleeping quarters, and entertainment - Perish the thought.

Emet-Selch, for his own part, had obtained more than his fair share of pillows and a thick blanket that he draped over himself. He resigned to a small corner of the sleeping quarters surrounded by soft pillows on all sides - which he fully intends to call his place to sleep.

For now, he idly looks over the playing cards that were provided with their intricate patterns and symbols. Cards are set on the floor one after the other. To any onlooker, it may seem like he’s playing some strange card game. One that they perhaps might be invited to join.

Stargazing
The sun had dipped over the horizon some time ago. It leaves a sea of stars in its wake, ones that are completely unfamiliar when compared to the worlds he was used to. Even more unfamiliar is the substantial...lack of what he sees. No wisps of aether which emanate from the planet. No aetherial confluences which are often hidden from sight. No souls of those who returned to the star as they glittered like shining lights. Nothing. Barren. Like a vital one of his senses is missing.

He looks to someone nearby - another potential observer who had wandered out onto deck. "It’s an impressive view." He motions to the sky with a hand. "Do you recognize any of them?"

cards

[perfectlygoodbird]

Meteion remembers the name Emet-Selch, but this man's face does not quite match the name--or the face of the one familiar to her. Still, those memories make her more than respectful of this man. Even if they aren't the same, the respect is deserved for the power the name alone holds. She's claimed a pillow for herself, and has her arms wrapped around it as she approaches him.

She looks over his display of cards, brows going up as she notices the Regent's suit, as well as the others.

"How curious," she murmurs, before looking up at the man himself. "Please, may I join you?"

It isn't as if curiosity alone wouldn't have brought her here, but Meteion might be more pert towards absolutely anyone else but this individual.

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch flicks his eyes upward. Ah, the small girl with unusually avian features. Not someone he's spoken to but he has seen her from a distance over the past fortnight.

He motions nonchalantly at the empty space across from him, which would be more than suitable to set her pillow and have a seat. "Do as you will. I daresay no one will stop you."

The few cards he had set on the floor are picked up and held out to her. She seems to look at them with particular interest, so let her have a closer look.

[perfectlygoodbird]

"You could! You could say no. You have a choice." But Meteion smiles despite his nonchalance, and drops her pillow gently so she can sit on it. "Maybe no one else will stop me, but I truly don't want to annoy you."

Folding herself down on the pillow, she spreads out the cards again, suit by suit, though the Regent's suit and the Innocent's suit are the ones she inspects most closely. Even now, her mark is still healing on the back of her hand, and Meteion will let it, if she can. Something to remember. To keep in mind.

"Please don't take this as an insult--I don't intend it as such--but did you notice the broken throne amongst the twelve? And how these cards mirror their imagery?" The entelechy doesn't really wait too long for an answer--but she does hope that he's thought about these things. "Curious that the cards are whole, and that site is not. Don't you think?"

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch breathes a sigh through his nose, eyes narrowing in a way to illustrate the annoyance that she so desired to avoid. Of course he knows that he has a choice in refusing her company, which is why he specifically did not.

His attention is soon redirected to the cards and the momentary show of discontent fades. "I doubt whether or not they are intact correlate to cards." He takes the cards and lays the highest-ranking suit on the floor in the order that they had appeared in the 'throne room'. Then, he picks out the cards that resemble the legacies and lays them out underneath them.

The card resembles the Regent he shows between his fingers. "What's more is that these are playing cards - A common pastime and entertainment." He flicks the Regent card on the ground carelessly. "For such things to exist must speak to how much influence these figures have in this world."

healing

[epiprocta]

It shouldn't take more than a quick glance at Gen -- seated leaning against the railing on the deck, absently watching light flicker off the water rippling below them -- to see that he's very much injured. A black eye, blood still dried down his chin from a busted lip and a bloodied nose, bruises welled dark all along his jaw, and an arm cradled close to himself to ease the ache in his scuffed knuckles and a sprained wrist. Not to mention he's exhausted. He'd been spaced out enough to miss the sound of approaching footsteps, and flinches when he realizes someone's speaking to him from so close.

He promptly recoils a fraction as he stares up at Emet-Selch, looking from his face, to the offered hand, then back up.

"... you don't look like a doctor."

That retort comes at a low deadpan, and though Gen does gingerly offer forth his injured arm after a moment's hesitation, he regards Emet-Selch with obvious caution in his gaze. Like he's expecting this to be some sort of trap.

[lachtara]

"I would hope not." Is the equally deadpan response.

Emet-Selch does not put a hand on the injury. Instead, he holds an open palm just above the sight of the sprain. At his own behest a swirling green light washes over the injury and the cool sensation of healing magic would be clear. It takes more effort than he would normally have to utilize but there should be a significant difference after a few short moments.

"Bend it and see if it is to your liking. If so perhaps - " He motions to the boy's face, " - a few more injuries can be addressed."

[epiprocta]

The glow of light is painless but still earns a small wince, and Gen's shoulders are squared with tension for as long as it lasts. It's only when the job's done and the light fades that he lets out a nervous exhale, then cautiously gives his wrist a flex.

The improvement is significant, obvious in the way that Gen gives a surprised blink before looking back up to Emet-Selch.

"-- how does that work?"

His surly demeanor is still firmly in place, but there's a flicker of genuine curiosity and wonder in his gaze. Despite that whole messy skirmish they've been through, he's still having a hard time acclimating to the idea of magic, and experiencing it in such an up-close and tangible fashion is ... impressive, honestly.

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch motions his hand seemingly at thin air. "Aether flows nigh imperceptibly throughout the planet and is what the very precipice of life is built on. Healing magic uses that aether to replenish that which ails." It's a very rudimentary explanation, but the intricacies may be lost on someone who seems so unfamiliar with healing magic.

"With that most excitable lesson out of the way, perhaps you would like those other injuries tended to?"

stargazing - lmk if this doesn't work for you!

[zauneyete]

The sway of the ship is... unusual, for someone who was much more used to living adjacent to water -- or underwater, as the case may be. Silco himself was captivated by the sprawl of stars, although it wasn't because of the loss of anything, but the ever-present spread of it all. Even if the Gray hadn't been present in Zaun -- a mist that permeated everything -- what would there be to see? Light pollution filtering through the cracks from Piltover? Their own light pollution? Or maybe the high walls of the undercity stretching upwards.

It wasn't that he had never seen the stars, but... he certainly hadn't spent much time staring at them. It's almost with a jump, and he turned his head at the intrusion. In the dim light of the night, the details on his face are muted when next to the mismatched gaze and the pinprick of firelight from his left eye. Eerie, in the dark.

"No," he admitted. He hated the not knowing. "I'll admit, I haven't had much time to look at the sky like this before. Are they familiar to you?"

[lachtara]

"Admittedly, no." He looks back up toward them and raises a palm as if using it as some makeshift guide. "By all accounts, this is a different sky than the one I know. Their placement is wrong and those in a similar position do not shine as brightly as they once did." Being under the same sky is something he could always count on before. Not so much now.

Emet-Selch lowers his hand and looks back to his current company. He narrows his eyes briefly at the fleck of light in this person's eyes. It glows brightly in the dark, a paltry spec of how theirs did. "Which leads me to wonder what place would you hail from that would not allow you to look at the sky like this?"

[zauneyete]

Well, it's not like Silco had expected him to recognize the stars, given the vision they've all seen, and confirmed amongst themselves. Still, it left them all just as in the dark as before, didn't it? According to the ships that came in from Bilgewater, they could use the stars to guide them, if needed.

"I've seen star-charts from my world, and it's similar. The constellations don't look like anything I've seen from ours," but he still paused to consider the question. Silco was... cagey, it was obvious, the way that prick of light shifted, away, looking out over the water, and the waves. The reflection of the stars in it. The fingers of one hand rubbed against the wood of the railing, considering. He turned his gaze back on the man.

"I lived in an...undercity," he finally said. "I've been topside, of course. I know what they look like," just in case that wasn't obvious. "However, we don't take much time, given where we live. Certainly no stargazing like this, with the pollution. It sounds like you took much more time, to consider them, hm?"

[lachtara]

"Indeed. As the world changed, they were one of few things that remained in their constant vigil." The view may look different from each shard but it was still a comforting blanket of night.

Emet-Selch looks to his company in consideration. "As someone who seldom sees them, this must be a rare treat for you indeed."

cards

[baltimores]

Amos remembers this guy from back in the cavern. Like him, he'd stood back — though he's kinda gotten the sense it was for different reasons.

Whatever they were, though, he isn't bothered by them. And hell, he's not one to pass judgment on people one way or another in most cases; certainly not for this. So when he spots him again on the boat — kind of a distinct appearance — he figures he'll just join him. Why not? They've already got two things in common.

He unceremoniously sits down across from Emet-Selch, leaving the cards in between them. Amos looks down at them for a second before back up at his new companion. "What're you playing?"

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch looks up and away from the cards. Ah, someone whom he had seen in passing and not spoken to yet. A good of a time as any to foster an accord.

"Nothing. Playing games by one's self is dreadfully boring." He motions to the seat opposite of him. "Ego, I am open to suggestions if you are willing to join."

[baltimores]

Gotta do something on the journey, right? Meeting your apparent new co-workers definitely qualifies.

Amos shifts over, directly across from Emet-Selch, demeanour amiably blank. He glances down at the cards, brow furrowing as he looks over them.

"Never seen a deck like this before. I'm used to just four suits. Kinda makes the values low overall, doesn't it," he says, idly picking one of the cards up — a Lover one, the one he recognizes as his own symbol. He turns it over between his fingers a couple of times, thinking, then looks back up at Emet-Selch. "You ever hear of Go Fish?"

stargazing

[expiera]

The woman he happens to call out has just stepped out onto the deck, though it's not because of the cooler night chill as to why she's got a makeshift scarf carefully wrapped around her neck. She's changed into clean clothing like everyone else otherwise, and doesn't look particularly worse for wear. His voice has her raise her head. That man...

"Nowhere on Earth was like this." She answers after a small shake of her head, and follows his gaze upward to take a better look at the expanse above. She's already seen this sky several times during the nights spent camping among the Hylician soldiers, but the view is nicer on sea unobstructed by the landscape. That the stars are so alien is another testament to how far they are from 'home', she supposes, and finds herself wondering if looking at them made the man homesick.

...Mm. Better reign in the idle thoughts, and focus on what's ahead of them instead.

[lachtara]

"Then you, too, are under an unfamiliar sky." It seems to be an unfortunately common sentiment on their ship of wayward individuals. He looks down in sorrowful contemplation. They were in an entirely new place, so what must he do to get back to the shards...?

He gathers himself and continues. "Then I suppose it would benefit us to learn it. This night seems like a promising starting point with its unobstructed view."

[expiera]

"Many of us are." All of us even, she suspects, but there's no need to be dramatic. He seems like he doesn't mind company, and that has her take a few steps closer.

"It may be quicker to ask the sailors. Constellations tend to correlate to local legends." She squints a little upwards, finding nothing from the stars she could feasibly draw a shape she knows. Or...?

wildcardish

[galdorleod]

Howl and Emet-Selch did not meet on that first day when he was wandering the boat looking for potential allies to heal. Howl had collapsed directly into a hammock as soon as his interest in exploring the boat waned, and he stayed there for the entire first day of the trip up the river, only rising periodically to stretch and eat.

It's mid-morning on the second day that Howl paces each deck of the boat, specifically looking for his acquaintance. When he finally finds him, he trots to his side and leans in to stick his face within Emet's gaze and snatch his attention.

"Old man!" Howl is grinning as he says it. "There you are! Having a good cruise?" Considering all that cheeriness, one might rightly suspect that Howl wants something, but he's considerate and self-conscious enough not to come right out with it.

[lachtara]

The gaze that Emet-Selch supplies in return is one of tired exasperation. It was much too early to handle such spirited youth - yes, even if it is mid-morning.

"I would have suspected someone as young as yourself would have a better memory." He begins flatly. "Given I provided you my name and you have seemingly forgotten it."

[galdorleod]

"Ah, yes — my apologies. Emet-Selch, sir." Howl answers merrily, not the slightest put off by his grouchy, flat response. More like Eminent Sulk, right?? No, that would be pushing it — especially when he's here to ask his input on something. "The cruise has been good, then, I take it?"

Now that he has the man's attention, he stands up straight, hands on his hips. "I've just heard the most bizarre rumors through the grapevine, and I was curious about your take on it all. Have you heard about all this business with the Shards?"

Stargazing with grampa

[killandrecycle]

[The person addressed doesn't even bother answering at first. If anything, she seems more then a little annoyed to even be spoken to at all. An undisguised sound of annoyance lends credence to that. Her voice ]

My entire world has been torn apart. I've been dragged to this place, humiliated repeatedly, subjugated to things I can't even begin to understand, and now I'm apparently a soldier for someone I know nothing about. I can't even sleep because I keep dreaming....

[She stops herself before just randomly pouring all her negativity all over the poor fellow.]

Sure. Nice. Whatever. I never had time to look at the stars, but I'm sure the people living around them are as stupid and weak as they were in all the other netherworlds I've been to.

[Someone is just a little bit grumpy, it seems.]

Come here child tell grandpa your woes ......

[lachtara]

He had asked a simple question and received such a storied response. His unusually pleasant expression gradually fades as she continues, eventually resigning to look on blandly.

The mention of a Netherworlds, though, does peak his interest.

"My, what a thorough list of grievances." He shrugs a single shoulder. "I don't suppose you have any more you would like to add?" Might as well let her. It is doubtful he could ask any questions of his own without her retaliating with indignation.

[killandrecycle]

[The expression she wears on her own face is anything but bland. There's an obvious scowl on it. No doubt plenty was bothering her, but the same could likely be said about everyone making the journey with her. But once she's finished talking, she seems to start to relax.]

The list of things that piss me off has no end, I could go on for ages. But you're not really interested, are you? I'm just up here because I couldn't sleep. Too many bad memories getting in the way of that.

[There's a bit less of en edge to her voice as she speaks. She moves to the railing, arms reaching up to rest on it. Her eyes turn to look up towards the sky.]

Do you really think those little dots are 'beautiful'? I've never thought about it myself. What makes them so great? They're just stars.