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welcome to achamoth

WHO: Kenoma Aions
WHAT: Welcoming party for the new Kenoma!
WHERE: Achamoth
WHEN: May, a few evenings post the TDM
WARNINGS: None for now!

I. 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎! 🍸🎉

As per several many (slightly annoying) communion invitations, come a few evenings past the arrivals of the new Kenoma, there’s a party being thrown in a building just outside the Citadel.

And thanks to the combined efforts Misa, Lottie, Gen, Matt, Luo Binghe, Amos, and more, the space is quite inviting. The tables set up are adorned with plenty of vibrant food and decadent drinks, all laid upon gothic, lacy tablecloths. There’s even live music— a small group of Achamite musicians playing the closest thing there is to grunge folk are plucking at strings in the corner.

The hosts for the night, Misa and Lottie, stand in the entryway to usher their fellow Aions in. They’ll be busy accounting for everyone being in attendance for the first hour or so of the party (because they’ll start bothering people through Communion who don’t show up), so characters will be free for a while to peruse what they’ve set up:

The largest table aside from the one that’s supporting all the fancy finger foods has a placard on it that reads “♡GAME TABLE♡”. This long, long table is taken up half way by shot glasses that have been pre-filled with a clear, fruity smelling alcohol. The other half of the table has a message written by Misa and Lottie:

One of the most important missions of tonight is to get to know each other! Learn a thing or two about the people at the party through these games, got it? Or if you know some fun drinking games, teach someone one! By the way, you should also take one of these tally cards and have your partners in your games sign it when you’re done. Everyone who fills it out completely will get a prize 💋

Next to that placard are blank cards with three blank slots, as well as several quills. Getting three people to sign your card seems like it’ll result in you getting a prize! Allegedly.

Next to those cards are explanations that Misa and Lottie have written on how to play 1) truth or dare, 2) never have I ever, and 3) two truths and a lie. They’ve even provided a deck of face down cards that have suggestions for truths and dares on them (because they didn’t want anyone to like, dare someone to burn the place down or something.) The truth and dare questions will be pretty innocent and/or jokingly flirty, think along the lines of “I dare you to tell your partner who you think is the hottest Aion on the Kenoma side.” However, characters are under no obligation to use these, and are free to go wild and make up their own.

The second area of interest is an area with a black curtain pinned up, and an Achamite artist sitting in front of an easel… that’s right, they’ve hired a sketch artist to take people’s (very quick) portraits, thinking that since everyone can’t take selfies, it’d be nice to have some other physical memento of the party. Problem is, with the budget constraints for the party, they can’t afford to pay for everyone to get one alone - characters will need to pair up! There are a number of small miscellaneous accessories they’ve procured (hats, jewelry, etc.) that characters can wear if they wish. The artist seems a little fickle, though, and may keep asking characters to change poses or, you know, get closer so they can both fit in the frame…

Characters who are wallflowers or simply don’t want to participate will be fresh out of luck— Misa and Lottie will be patrolling around the venue after ushering people in to ensure that people are participating. And yes, that means physically pushing two people together that they see sticking to the edges. You are free to handwave that they forced your character into a game or sketch with someone if they wouldn’t willingly participate!

By the way, while characters are increasingly encouraged by Misa and Lottie throughout the evening to play with other characters in order to complete their cards, when they actually turn them in to the hosts, no prize will be immediately offered. You can handwave your character receiving a very non-committal “it’s not here yet,” “I’ll get back to you on this,” or “Wow, good job! Talk to me later, okay?” from either Misa or Lottie if they actually go through the effort to turn their card in.

II. 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝘿𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈 🗣🎙

After everyone’s had a chance to have some booze, food, and possibly some embarrassing (or revealing?) moments while playing games, Misa and Lottie will signal for everyone to quiet down, and will step onto a small podium that they’ve brought into the venue. It’s during this time that they’ll finally address the group. Lottie speaks first:

"Hello guys, how are we doing tonight? I'm Lottie Person, one of your hosts for tonight.

Thank you to everyone who came and helped make this event a reality. First, Misa and I really couldn't have done it without everyone who pitched in. Is it cheesy to say it warmed my heart? Maybe.. But it shows that even if we all haven't exactly held hands, we still can come together for the important stuff.

And second, thank you to all the new people who joined us tonight. This really wouldn't have happened without you, and we're happy to see such an amazing turn out with both new and old faces.

As part of tonight's soiree, we've arranged to have some of the best and brightest people come and talk to us about all the things you need to know to better understand what's going on, and how you're involved."

The two of them will introduce each speaker as they come up to the podium and give their spiel. The speeches that take place can be found here. Characters will have the opportunity to ask questions after each speech for clarifications or further details, so long as the speech giver is willing to answer.

Once everyone has had their chance to share their knowledge, Misa will thank the speakers, and raise a glass of the closest thing Horos has to champagne for a toast:

“That pretty much covers everything, doesn’t it? A big, big thanks to everyone for helping explain all that. I know me and Lottie were asking a lot of you, but we really couldn’t do it all by ourselves…! Some of you are way better at that stuff, ahaha.

Anyways, I really hope everyone who came here to Achamoth feels a little more welcome now. I know everything’s been really crazy ever since we all came from those shrines, and it’s been scary, too. We don’t know what happened to where we came from, or what might happen to us… but I don’t feel too afraid. Because in my heart, I really believe in what we’ve all come here to do. And I believe in the Regent’s power.

Let’s all remember one thing going forward. We’re on the same team, so that makes us all friends, okay?”

She raises her glass.

“Together, let’s create an ideal world.”

III. 𝙀𝙎𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙀 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝙔 🏃‍♂️💨🎭

Following the close of the serious speech section of the party, there’s still a bit more time to mingle before the party ends. Or, under normal circumstances, there would be.

Shortly after Misa’s closing speech, some of the Achamite workers who have been hired to work at the party will have worked up the courage to approach Aions directly (particularly those with their shards visible.) Newer Aions may not have had a chance to experience this just yet, with their relative newness to the city, but Achamite citizens treat Kenoma Aions with the utmost excitement and religious fervor. It’s common for them to make generous offerings to Kenoma Aions if they are recognized or if their shard is spotted, or treat the Kenoma Aions in general as celebrities.

This can result in your character being badgered with questions and offerings from the few non-Aions in the crowd helping with the party – older Kenoma Aions will recognize this behavior for what it is.

Misa and Lottie will also take notice of this starting to happen, and will mentally communion urge everyone to leave the party ASAP before it turns into a meet and greet for overly enthusiastic onlookers. They’ll do their best to divert the attention of anyone getting too nosy by intercepting, but they won’t be able to keep everyone from experiencing this.

Any lingering questions about the apparent reverence the Achamites hold for the Kenoma Aions will have to be answered by older Aions — preferably while you make a clever escape. Outside the party venue is the rest of Achamoth, with the Citadel stretching high above into the dark night sky above. You can make a quick return back to the Citadel’s familiar dining halls and bedrooms, or perhaps you want to escape to somewhere else in the city.

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It probably hasn't gotten around to Emet-Selch himself, but Misa has had quite a few harsh words for him ever since that dinner. Multiple times, she's expressed her wariness to get close to him solely due to him falling out of favor with the Regent— if she's anything, she's a follower. Someone aware of her own status, and more importantly, very determined to keep it. Even if it means being a little catty.

It's actually only right after his speech that she realizes it's been removed, and— wow, so that means she should actually pay attention to him now, right? Mean as it is, she feels so strongly about the Regent that it simply hadn't crossed her mind to question their actions towards him. But now all those skills he mentioned seem that much more of use.

That's why she gracefully makes her way over once he's retreated back into the mass of them all, waiting until someone's well into their speech to actually address him. Once close enough by his side, she nudges him gently with an elbow to catch his attention, in case he's engrossed in listening.

"Hey, you got that thing off your arm! Must be a big relief, huh? Now you can be together with everybody more."

It's said breezily, casually. She sort of has to crane her neck to look up at him, but she keeps her expression curious instead of judgmental.

With his part of the speech complete, Emet-Selch resigns to one of the tables at the outskirts of the room. He looks tired as he listens to those who speak - a stark contrast from the authoritative energy he displayed on stage.

To the girls question he offers a simple answer: "Ah, yes. So that I may bask in the company of others," Emet-Selch says in a flatly facetious tone. He turns his attention away from the empty wine glass which he intended to make his 'company' for the majority of the night and to this girl.

"Do you have a question about the topics that I covered on stage?" He asks conversationally, gently redirecting the conversation to something more 'pleasant'.

"Oh! Actually, I do. It's about what you said about 'newfound magical skills.'"

While the flatness of his tone in relation to the company of others does not go unmissed, she figures if he really didn't want her company, he'd be more direct about it. And so, she rambles on, chattering away.

"How are you supposed to help with those? Is it just because you know so much magic, you can deal with anything? I heard that Gen— well, Minegishi is learning from you. That's why I'm curious if it's actually been easy for you to teach someone new."

In sharp contrast to his aloofness moments before, he is quick to provide his perspective on the subject. "Magic consists of many ubiquitous principles that govern how it is used. If you understand those principles and how to apply them, then it will allow you to wield any magic more effectively." Emet-Selch explains.

"I observe the skills of the individual and guide them on how to focus their talents to adhere to those principles." He gestures with one hand to emphasize the point as he speaks. "It is no more difficult to instruct here than it would be elsewhere. Any place where you can practice magic relies on you to learn and apply it, I simply serve as a guide."

"So... a lot of it is learning fundamental stuff. That makes sense. Wow, you're good at explaining."

Or at least, that's how she understands it, from her non-magic knowing perspective. Now that she really has had it outlined for her so clearly, it's totally logical. In her world, things that are supernatural still operate on a rigid rule system - she has to imagine the same can be said for different kinds of magic. But even that knowledge isn't enough. If she wants to learn anything about her new powers, she'll have to get instruction from someone.

"What about teaching those principles to someone who doesn't have powers yet? Would you consider doing that? I'm just no good when it comes to magic... but I bet I could learn that stuff beforehand so I can be ready."

She bats her eyelashes, feigning helplessness in this regard.

"That would be like learning to read without a method for describing the letters." Immeasurably difficult and likely impossible.

Emet-Selch turns to her, seemingly unbothered with her gleaming doe-ish eyes keenly focused in his direction. "With that said, how are you so certain that you lack ability if you have no magic of your own to try?"

"Shouldn't it be really obvious once you get powers? I thought you'd be able to tell immediately."

She gives up on the doe eyes pretty quickly once he actually turns to her and she sees that it's going to have little to no effect. Beside that, her genuine reaction of surprise at his explanation takes precedence over trying to goad him into letting her learn magic without "actually having powers."

"My Earth didn't have magic, so I guess I was imagining it'd be this huge monumental feeling. Maybe that sounds dumb to someone like you who's used to knowing it."

"There is no way for you to know what to expect if it is something you have had no way of experiencing before." A simple affirmation while not dismissing her claims as silly.

"With that said, magic manifests itself differently in each person. Some will be able to 'feel' a power that was not there before while others discover it through happenstance. It is not universal." Emet-Selch looks at her and offers a few wholly genuine words. "Your experience and how you manifest that power is unique to you. Embrace it."

In return to his genuine words, there's a genuine sort of understanding in her posture when he says that, like she's really taking it to heart. Truth be told, she had no idea things could be so varied. And this person has no reason to really explain things to her - she was actually expecting to be told to go away if she kept playing dumb.

"Oh, I think I judged you all wrong... you really do care about helping others learn. I didn't think you'd be so nice about it..."

And even though she just admitted that she's had a less than stellar opinion of him, there's an eagerness in the way she talks, an excitable brand of kindness. Like she's trying to make amends.

"But that was really helpful. Were you some kind of professor before?"

The expression on his face when she says nice is nothing short of stunned. It's only present for a moment before he forces himself to look away to coach a look of reproach onto his face again.

"No, I was not 'some kind of professor'." His sharp tone of voice is pure compensation for his previous agreeability. "I have lived with magic for a very long time, just as I have lived without it. Explaining its concepts so that others have a modicum of understanding ensures that they do not make some foolish mistake out of ignorance." Not that he enjoys doing so. Surely.

"Pfft. Haha. Okay."

Her response to his sudden sharp tone, and surly way he explains how he's doing this all so other people don't screw up comes out with very 'sure, Jan,' energy. Misa tends to not be thoroughly convinced by anyone with any degree of brooding, so she actually ends up looking pleased with his response, despite being corrected so bluntly.

"Well, I'll be sure not to 'make some foolish mistake out of ignorance.'" She barely contains another laugh, doing a small impression of his voice as she repeats the similar words. "You're kinda making it sound like your previous students have, though."

Emet-Selch lets his head fall back and heaves the heaviest of sighs. "Indeed they have." The words are not without their own kind of exasperation, but in a way, he seems relieved that he can complain about it. "Sometimes I wonder if it would be a more productive use of my time giving tutelage to a brick wall. At least it would be a more agreeable listener."

Edited 2022-05-11 11:45 (UTC)

"Is Minegishi that bad of a student?"

She can barely contain her laughter at the prospect, covering her mouth daintily as she does so. What's wrong with a little complaining? Nothing better than a little bit of gossip.

"Or is there someone else causing you so much trouble?"

Edited 2022-05-15 00:37 (UTC)

"I am sure you would be overjoyed in knowing that you all provide me with trouble in your own way," Emet-Selch says flatly, giving her a sidelong look that affirms his crankiness.

"But, no, he is not a 'bad student'." He recants his experiences, "He is a quick learner, determined, and tenacious, but he is also impatient and markedly headstrong. Both characteristics can be expected for one his age and experience." Emet-Selch takes another sip of his drink. For all his grumblings he does not think badly of his student - he is just remarkably easy to irritate.

"With luck, he will live long enough to grow out of the lesser desirable qualities."

She seems equally delighted with this turn of events, despite just giggling over the prospect of him being so terrible. Minegishi, the big scary delinquent, is actually a good student when it comes down to it? It's rich.

"Oh, I get it. You're saying he has 'potential.'"

Misa shrugs. The more Emet speaks of Gen and his future students at the large, the more Misa is convinced that he's the kind to always show displeasure in some way, as if to never let someone off easy. The hard on the outside type, the tough love type.

"So potential can have more to do with the kind of person you are than the type of magic you land with. Is that it?"

"Your magic is not something obtained by happenstance. It is a mirror that reflects who you are and the power within your very being." Just as each soul is unique, so too is their magic.

"Potential is... another complicated matter." Emet-Selch very pointedly takes a sip of his drink as if to say 'I'm at a party. I don't feel like explaining.'. Even if he's sitting in a corner on his own.

And as much as she'd like to grill him for more information, Misa (thankfully) knows when to stop prodding, at least on a topic she doesn't know that much about. If she annoys him too much, then making a bad impression will only get in her way in their future in encounters... she lets out a drawn out sigh once he takes that sip of his drink, flicking her eyes back to whatever speaker is currently on.

"Fine, fine. It's super, super complicated. Got you."

She backs down with a hint of playfulness, conceding that he has no plans on teaching a student that allegedly knows nothing of magic. It's fine, she thinks. She still learned some valuable tidbits.

"Don't worry, I didn't come over here to interview you or anything like that. But I did wanna say thanks for agreeing to go up there in the first place."

Typically he has to request that people thank him for whatever he does. Having gratitude unprovoked is unusual, but no less appreciated. The appreciation reflects in his slightly more agreeable tone. "They needed the information, now they have it." He says by way of 'you're welcome'.

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welcome to achamoth

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