forwander: (006 BlackCatSui_YOI)
Elliot Glover (Passenger) ([personal profile] forwander) wrote in [community profile] sticksandbones2024-05-26 06:58 pm

May Family Meeting

Who: All y'all, everyone, the whole shebang, etc
What: Town Hall / Family Meeting
When: End of May
Where: Magic Lamp Cafe
Warnings: Typical Stix game warnings: Child death mentions, torture, body horror. More will be in post titles as they come up.


At some point after Passenger's cafe is finished being built and set up, he decides to coordinate with Enciodes to get a family meeting going, since it's been a bit. This time, a change of scenery is in order, so it'll be at the Magic Lamp — which has a surprising lack of magic lamps, RIP. It has normal booths with a Sargonian flare, but also the centre of the cafe sports ground seating, as does the back deck — the back doors have been propped open to allow the people sitting inside to converse with those sitting outside. For most of the meeting, Passenger will be behind the counter making a number of Sargonian dishes and coffees for anyone who wants some; just flag him down and he'll bring you whatever it is. He is listening, he swears.

Meanwhile, Enciodes will give the recap of the usual information, and from there, the meeting can begin.

Reincarnation and Our Past Lives
Our lives as we currently know it, while it did happen, are because we've originated here at the Grove in a past life. Some sort of ritual was meant to save our souls, thought we physically didn't survive. For the most part, it seems our personalities from our past life carried over somewhat, but overall, it doesn't seem like learning about them in detail provides any information on how to get back to our current home or how to best the creature.


The Residents
The Shopkeeper and the Trader — They lost their names to the forest, so their new names are Heimr and Ydalir. With this in mind, do not give the forest your name. They cannot be referred to by their old names, but Heimr used to be the person in charge of the Grove and Ydalir his sister. Heimr recently became human; maybe there's a way to get Ydalir to be the same?

The Guardians — the Guardians we can currently seek out within the Grove are Zahliya, the Guardian of the Grove and our small gargoyle friend; Moder, the large moose-like creature and Guardian of the Forest; Sinann, and the River Guardian, who appears as a large flare-fin fish. Treat them respectfully and give them offerings if you require their assistance or plan to take anything that is theirs. There are more guardians outside of the Grove. They're akin to... demigods, in a sense of the word. Moder and Sinann used to be corrupted, though on their deaths seemed to have been cleansed of this corruption. Though, going forward, killing the Guardians to purify them may prove detrimental. We simply got lucky with the first two. They were strong enough to revive. If we try again, we might not have this luck.

The Lake Guardian, Callan, is currently corrupted. The Sky Guardian is said to be long-dead by Moder herself.

The Gods — Beiwe, the Goddess of the Sun, and Ourania, the Goddess of the Moon, are the current overseers. According to Moder, they are very weak and may need some help regaining their strength through prayer and acts of devotion. We likely have the power to help them return to their former strength.. We just need to figure out how.


Purification, Zahliya, and the Corruption
Zahliya is able to purify things with some sort of holy magic. However, his purification is not as strong as it needs to be to fully purify something of corruption. As such, it's in our best interest to figure out how to do this so we can use this ability to cleanse other Guardians and residents in the future, like Nene. If you know of anything that might be helpful, but don't think it's a good idea for the creature in the forest to know, ask any corrupted person to leave first. They may be on our side, but their corruption lends to the forest being able to listen in anyway.

We've found shards of the sun, the moon, and know of Ydalir's star shards. They seem to be manifestations of holy magic, considering that this world reveres the sun and moon deities. We've given Zahliya the sun shard in hopes it'll help him purify things. So far, it seems to be going well, though it seems like there needs to be something a bit stronger to help.


Belief and the "magic" of this world
Belief in something gives it power. Names give it power. As such, refrain from giving the forest/the creature/the entity a true "name" of any kind. It's recommended to swap out the vague reference you use. Vice versa for our Guardians — please use their names, and believe in them intrinsically when we require their assistance. Mizuki has recommended before that we sing to Zahliya when he purifies things. Songs of protection and such might do us some good, I think. Just remember not to wish for things too frequently, only if it's absolutely necessary.


Forest Entity
It considers us toys. When it gets bored, which so far has been every handful of weeks or so, it will play games with us of some kind, as you may have noticed with prior events. They seem to vary in intensity. Residents were trapped inside a volcano and meant to get to the top before else risk burning alive… and it also seems to know what our absolute worst fears are, respectively. It will get in your head. Don't give it that opportunity.

Moder and Zahliya both have suggested to never call it a god, but to refer to it as either the "False God" or "the Creature". Moder has also previously called it "The Fallen Sun". It does possess a great deal of power, somehow, and referring to it in a derogatory sense might weaken it. Finding the source of its power may be vital, as it is a chaotic nature with a child-like, sadistic personality, which is a deadly combination.


Places of interest
Aldric's Manor is a place where Heimr's kids are currently. We can't get to it, but the children inside do have a notebook, and we hope they'll try to communicate with us. One of his children… There's a grave outside for her. Do not do anything disrespectful by it.

There's a part of the forest where you might find people you know, but as trees. It's… very upsetting there. Refrain from visiting it too frequently.

The Garden is where you'll end up if you die. Nene brings you back if you do end up here. Do not die. Do not end up here. Coming back will have you giving up something important.

The River is where the River Guardian is. Return any remains of the fish we eat from there back to it after we're able to fish there again. Thank the River Guardian when you take apples from the tree nearby there, and thank Moder when you take berries from the bush near it. Do not take bones from the river without permission. Be kind to the river's inhabitants, and don't dump any trash into the water.

The Well's water will always stay clean. Don't go dumping garbage into it, of course, but know that the water there is safe to drink regardless of what happens, it seems. Also, the well is completely bottomless, so if you can't breathe underwater, I don't recommend trying to swim down it. Mizuki tried to, but at a certain point it felt like something was pushing him back.

The Burnt Part of Town and Other Expansions — The Grove, prior to stuff going awry, was a sizeable place, so we're likely to explore more areas as a "reward" for participating in games. For the people who weren't here, it seems to have been "frozen in time". Which also means any corpses that were in there haven't been fully decomposed or anything, so be wary of that. Please also look out for the sink holes at that part of town — it's quite dangerous there.

The Church was Nene's previous home, and a former place of worship for Beiwe. It has since been worn down and transformed into something to worship the Creature.

The Temple is separate from the Church. Zahliya was formerly a statue guarding this place. It is also where the Creature was previously contained.

There are other places within the forest and such, but if you want specifics, talk to Mizuki. He has a map.

If you do end up going into the forest, bring a pair of the golden spectacles that Heimr has with you. They will show you a safe-adjacent way into the forest. It won't guarantee safety, but it'll be your best case scenario.


Returning home
Not outside the realm of possibility, but currently unable to. The creature in the forest needs to be dealt with first, as even if we find a way home, it can likely just bring us back.


The shards
Mizuki has the moon shard, and has since apparently swallowed it, giving him the ability to stop the corruption. Likely, the moon shard itself has calming, healing, and soothing properties. The sun shard is able to burn corruption away. Not as much is known about it, but we can likely ask Ydalir about it, and the star shards, if needed.


The Lighthouse
In the Lighthouse is a corrupted person who seems very territorial. It's recommended that no one go into the lighthouse or get near it, or they risk being attacked or even killed.


submittome: (Your sugar rush)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-28 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What. Forgive the disbelief on Affogato's face, Fel. Because Dark Cacao certainly didn't give that impression. ]

... My Liege certainly has a ... odd way of communicating such.

[ He flicks his eyes to Cacao, then away. He's still hurt. And unsure he believes her. ]

To return My King, and those who desire it, home. To gain as much information as possible, so there is nothing left un-turned that may be detrimental to said plans. And do not worry to warn me, I have already told My Liege I would shoulder the burden of whatever befalls me.
amethystic: (040)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-28 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. ... That's why I'm meddling, I guess- something just seemed off at the end there, and misunderstandings can already be ruinous in normal situations- in a place like this? It can be even worse.

It's a hefty task, but one I hope you realize you aren't alone in. We're all seeking the same thing here- hence this sort of meeting.
submittome: (Oh we gotta turn up the crazy)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-28 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I must admit, I am unsure I believe you. This is not the first time My Liege has dismissed me, and made his thoughts towards my advice well known.

[ If only she knew how right she was, however...

He hums softly, thoughtfully, his brow furrowed. ]


So I have learned. Yet forgive me, I am unused to working with others. It has never gone well for me.
amethystic: (012)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-28 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Old men are notoriously bad at this sort of thing, I've found. And it sounds like you've both been hurt.
submittome: (I love it when you call me a bitch)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-28 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, that Affogato doesn't respond to, and his eyes focus on his chai instead. What is this? He sips it.

He sips it again. It's nice. ]
amethystic: (150)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-28 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Comfort food's the best, right?
submittome: (I'm all dressed up and naked)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-28 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm, it is an unfamiliar taste. But it is not bad.

[ He says while greedily still drinking it... ]
amethystic: (024)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-28 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Man, you remind me of when I was little, getting my first actual meal.

( this is a calculated reveal. what's his play? )
submittome: (Champagne pouring over us)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ah. That makes him pause mid-drink, his eyes instantly becoming closed off and guarded. That should be the answer she needs. He lowers the cup slowly. His voice is defensive. ]

It is merely new to me.
amethystic: (033)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
( oooh, got it in one. she'll keep that gentle tone, though. )

I'm not judging. Believe me, I understand. It's why I cook for the people staying in the inn, and why I'll be helping out here. Good food is the first step to happiness.
submittome: (Snatch your chain and mace your eyes)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Silence so loud it could be screaming. He stares at her, distrust mounting in his eyes, before he responds with a clipped tone. ]

What do you want.
amethystic: (065)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
Exactly what I said: to help with communication between you and Dark Cacao, because history is doing you both harm.

... Though, honestly, if you're anything like me? I think you might need a friend, too.
submittome: (Now it's time to get real)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ Distrust. Distrust. She's not doing this for nothing, he feels it. She wants something. And he scoffs to the comment of a friend. ]

I don't need any friends.

[ No wait. ]
amethystic: (049)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
You're human now, Affogato. We're social creatures. No one can live alone.
submittome: (There is one I call divine)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
I have done perfectly fine on my own. I shall continue to be just fine.
amethystic: (012)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Very well.

( for now. )

I'm still gonna stick to that third party thing though, y'all need it.
submittome: (Skin as cool as Steve McQueen)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Good, she's dropping it. Some of his bristling eases, though he's on edge now, his legs crossed at the knee. His fingers fidget with his cup. Uncomfortable. ]

As you desire. You said you wished my perspective. Is there anything else you want to know.
amethystic: (097)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
I'd like your perspective on the incident that broke his trust, and your history. I feel like his perspective is a little skewed.

( which is partially true. given the conversation that started all this, she figures a bit of doubt in the 'enemy' may help open him up a bit. )
submittome: (Double double double down)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ He frowns to her question, but he figured she would eventually get around to it. The nice little dig at Cacao is nice, but... well, he's 'loyal' so he bristles a bit.

It's not entirely an act. ]


I do not blame My Liege. It is my word against those who give their lives for him with nothing asked for in return. It is easy to know who he would choose to believe.

[ Sips his Chai again, finally. ]

I was approached by a ruby Witch by the name Pomegranate Cookie. In exchange for giving My King up to them, they would offer me Power and the Throne. I declined. Though I do adore Power, I was quite cozy where I was, as My King's Advisor. [ A touch of bitter. ] Though he oft ignored my advice where it mattered.

[ SIP. ]

The last clear thing I recall is her casting a spell. I only remember bits and pieces after. Leading My King to the Citadel roof. Leaving with the very Cookies that subdued me. Running into one of my King's Warriors in a distant Republic. Then awakening here.
amethystic: (070)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
That implies that you did ask for something... which, I'm not judging you for. Loyalty needs to go both ways, after all. Some people can follow with unconditional faith, and some can't.

( she rests her chin in her hand though, listening intently. ignored his advice, hm...? ... it does sound familiar, his experiences. she remembers how often she woke up in the hallway alone, aching, with gaps in her memory.

... )


May I ask about what you mean, ignoring your advice?
submittome: (pic#17154844)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
Yes... I asked for his loyalty in return. I asked for the same amount of care we gave him, in return. I asked for him to see us, and-

[ He bristles, angry. Upset. Hurt, which is the emotion he tries to hide the most. He huffs to her question, turning his eyes away. ]

I suggested he stop pushing his workers so hard. That he offer them the "carrot" rather than the constant whip. He... berated me.

[ Not a lie, his frown deepening. ]
amethystic: (074)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
... I'm sorry to hear that.

( dc you are A BOPPED MAN. )

That's no way to live.
submittome: (Took me to your little crib)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ And Caramel Arrow. Seen. Appreciated. Because she had no damn desires of her own but to serve Dark Cacao. Blind, obedient, stupid loyalty. No thoughts in her head but her worship of Cacao. The Favorite. ]

It is not, but it is not something I am unused to. He dismissed even my concerns for his own well being.

[ The one on the roof is the one that hurts the worse. He would have turned towards Cacao again, been by his side. Supported and fought for him. All he asked for was a little touch of understanding and loyalty in return.

He asked it here. And like before, Cacao spat on his hand. ]
amethystic: (063)

[personal profile] amethystic 2024-05-29 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
I'm gonna bully this man.

You shouldn't have to be used to it, Affogato. He's got a lot to apologize for, it sounds like.

Is there anything you'd like for me to pass on after this?
submittome: (And nothing like my punch drunk kiss)

[personal profile] submittome 2024-05-29 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ He hears that. ]

Beware, he has a temper on him...

[ Anything...? Now, for real, Affogato hesitates. Raises his thumb to his mouth, bites the tip of his nail, his eyes distant. ]

He ... looked upon me with concern, when I said I would shoulder what may come. I- ask him if he meant it. Or- [ He squares his shoulder. ] Or if it was just a ploy.

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