diplomaticimmewnity: (Default)
diplomaticimmewnity ([personal profile] diplomaticimmewnity) wrote in [community profile] sticksandbones2024-10-01 08:47 am

October (September, technically) Town Meeting

Who: Town Meeting
What: Town Meeting
When: End of September technically...
Where: Enciodes' archives
Warnings: Typical Stix game warnings: Child death mentions, physical abuse via Nene, torture, body horror, cannibalism via Callan. More will be in post titles as they come up.


[ Enciodes is... admittedly really lethargic this time around, but he still makes the effort to go around and let everyone know about the Town Hall happening, encouraging you to be there, despite everything. One who knows Enciodes will notice he isn't holding himself too highly, or carrying grace where he walks. He's just... tired. Dying will do that, though. ]

Hello and thank you for coming to our town meeting. To start, these archives are important to me, and as such I will not tolerate any fighting. You will be escorted out.

Secondly, I encourage you all introduce yourselves. Informing us of both your name and your skillset will help us all as a group, as it'll let us know who is here at the Grove and who is best to see for specific situations. This will also help myself, as I intend to keep a headcount and census of everyone here at the Grove, to keep track of who may have gone missing and to direct those who need help in the correct location. I shall begin by introducing myself. I am Enciodes Silverash. I am a diplomat of my world, and here I have taken a role of setting up meetings like this and clearing out the problems that lie with us in the fog wall.

And finally, for the newcomers, I am sorry to have to inform you of the circumstances, but I implore you to come to me for any questions you may have. I want to make this transition for you as easy as I possibly can, and wish to provide you with all the resources and information that we currently have available to us. This may be a bit lengthy, so I understand if you may have questions for clarifications or anything of the like. I do ask that you hold onto these questions until I've finished, however.

To start with, we lived a previous life we have no real memory of here at the Grove.
This is mostly as it sounds, but we all used to be here at the Grove in one way or another. After horrible events occurred here, Heimr and Ydalir tried to preserve our souls, which lead us to our "current" lives. The ones we all have memories of. Though, it does seem many of us carry the same personalities and other such traits we had while here.

This in no way is an encouragement to learn about your past life, of course. If this makes you uncomfortable or frustrates you in any way, I completely understand. Learning about things you've done back here does not currently seem to help us find our way home, so you are under no obligation to try and find more out about this if you do not want to.


Our enemy here is the entity possessing the forest.
There's still a lot we don't know about him, but that is perhaps for the best. The more we know about him, it's likely the stronger he will become in turn. It's only right we keep this section brief, in that case. If you truly wish to know more about him, I would be willing to answer questions, but understand my hesitance in doing so. That, and also it's likely he can hear us through the people here who are Corrupted by the forest.

He is the entity who got us all here. He wants us to suffer. He feeds on our misery. We won't let him have that satisfaction because we have this second chance. If he couldn't kill us before in a way that sated him, than he'll never get that satisfaction from us because we are resilient. Just be careful when going out into the forest. He can corrupt you, and... if you'd like, you can speak with those who have had first hand experience with it before, but essentially it means he can possess you if we're not careful.

Do not call it by its name. Do not worship it. Do not give it power of any kind. I am no longer going to be understanding to those who give it more than it deserves.


And we'll talk about the previous residents here - the ones who didn't have new lives. As well as the deities here.
Heimr and Ydalir, or the Shopkeeper and the Trader respectively, both lost their previous names to the Forest. Heimr recently became human; maybe there's a way to get Ydalir to be the same? You can say "Aldric" now, but Heimr still prefers to be called Heimr. Please keep this in mind if the Forest ever tries to speak with you. Do not, under any circumstances, give it your name.

Nene is here as well, and very recently purified, but had previously been confined to the Forest's hold for... centuries, it seems. Please be kind to her, as I'm sure I needn't even point out. She is daughter to Grace, who was a doctor here at the Grove. She has a few books in the archives that I've been perusing. She's also apparently the person behind the Garden - a place in the forest that I'll cover shortly.

The Guardians are a group of... demi-deities, as far as we are concerned. Treat them respectfully and give them offerings if you require their assistance or plan to take anything that is theirs. The few we have with us here at the Grove are as follows:

Moder, the forest Guardian, and the large moose-like creature who's seen wandering around. She is incredibly kind even if her appearances may be a bit horrifying. She's helped clean up the northern part of town with me. She's also willing to take people through the forest safely if needed, seeing both as she knows it well, and was also once corrupted, so knows roughly what to expect in there. Considering she's lost her domain to that bastard in the woods, I ask that you give her your tribute as often as you can, as I believe she will be the one to most fiercely fight with us for her home back.

Zahliya, who has many titles I've listed in the notebook, is the gargoyle who is generally on fire. He can burn away any Corruption, and cares about each of us. His powers have not been fully realized, but with some encouragement, that may change, so I ask that everyone please give him your trust.

Sinann, the River Guardian, is the blue, glowing fish within the River. It can speak more now without the use of the Bone ring, but it's still rather weak, likely because it is recovering and has not regained the strength to do so. Please do not remove the bones from the River, and return any fish bones of those you eat to it as well. Shells and medallions are able to be taken freely from it, however.

Callan, the Lake Guardian, is thing that you all may have seen diving into the well when we got back from our time under the ocean. He is... not the kindest, but I don't believe he is malicious or malevolent by any means. I'm not entirely sure what to make of him. The Behemoth is his daughter, and the giant crocodile-like creature you've seen around the Grove. She isn't a Guardian, as far as I'm aware, but it's still recommended you are kind to her as well.

The Cosmic Serpent is in the ocean. For a good majority of the time, they are asleep. They do not seem to be opposed to helping us, but can only offer us so much, and likely may get annoyed if we expect too much of them. Apparently became what they are today by feasting on fallen stars.

There's a Sky Guardian, Aurora, as well, though Moder has informed us that it is long dead.

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. Recently, we've spoken directly to Ourania with a seance, and recently we've done the same with Beiwe. I did not participate personally, so I divert this to those who had, and encourage the information shared. The information we got from Ourania can be asked through Mizuki, if needed.

Zonari, uh, the forest's gargoyle. I'm not sure why she's here. [ Informative, thank you, Silverash! In his defense, he seems to have the opinion of "if it were up to me, she'd be dead." ]


Magic and belief of this world.
Belief in something gives it power. Names give it power. Hence why we don't want to be using names for the forest. 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.

There are shards that seem to hold power of deities inside of them. Sun and Moon shards from Beiwe and Ourania respectively, and star shards from... likely, the stars? Be on a look out for them, as the Forest wants them destroyed. It also leads me to wonder if there are any shards of the entity we may be able to destroy?

We've also learned that the seasons are controlled by spirits, and will lose control of their magic every hundred years and need some sort of "sacrifice" to stabilize them. I have a feeling this is something we'll be needing to concern ourselves with, as it's our luck if we're coming up on this hundred year mark. This is likely something we can confirm with Miss Ydalir.


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 nearby 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 Lake, where Callan used to reside, and Terho's cabin nearby. According to Mizuki, the bottom is littered with bones, so it's likely not a good swimming spot.

North Aldric's Grove 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. The part of the Grove to the north used to be horribly burnt and unlivable - in a perpetual state of fire and decay. We've since fixed the time anomalies there and, with Moder's help, I've managed to get it looking like the rest of the Grove. There are no more sinkholes to be wary of.

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 entity of the forest. As such, it's likely we should try to erect a new church for Beiwe - one that is exclusively hers. Especially since we've been able to get into contact with her.
Near the old church, there's also a tree that Renard lies trapped in, found by both Mizuki and Wolfwood. At some point, we have to free him with the magic that resides in the sun, moon, and star shards. Renard is a former friend of Heimr and Ydalir.

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

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. There is a statue of Ourania embedded in the cliff face nearby the Lighthouse. Any more questions can be addressed to Vash about this area.

The beach is now accessible thanks to Moder. You may head there with the path she has made without needing help of the goggles. Just stay on the bridge of fallen trees she's made and you'll make it there. In the water are very dangerous creatures, so be mindful. Dipper has also found the evil entity's original temple under the water. Maybe that is partially why it has it's fear of the ocean?

Within the forest are star shrines, which may provide moments of respite while you are out there. Not much is known about them at the moment, besides that star... spirits? guardians? creatures reside there.

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.


Mizuki has also mentioned to me that he wants to pull some of you aside for an endeavor after this meeting.
theuniverseleads: unhappy and reckless (005)

the most important setting update of all

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a bit of a lull after introductions. When no one else jumps straight into something actually important—]

So! [clap!] The Grove has an abundance of pigeons now! Isn't that neat?

We should give a name to their Godking. [does not elaborate further, hey has anyone else noticed the fucking 6ft tall pigeon hanging out on the church lately??]
forwander: (031)

[personal profile] forwander 2024-10-02 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
I already have a name.

[no not YOU]
theuniverseleads: it bends the waves of the light (025)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
No, not you. Do you really have that much of an ego?
start_again: (sif143)

[personal profile] start_again 2024-10-02 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
Cooper.

[He says it with an all too satisfied little smirk.]
jouvente: game. (LMAO 👊 beaming that smile)

[personal profile] jouvente 2024-10-02 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ Isabeau was doing so well trying to respectfully not get involved but this gets a loud abrupt "HAH" out of him. ]
start_again: (sif117)

[personal profile] start_again 2024-10-02 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Mission accomplished.]
theuniverseleads: it bends the waves of the light (025)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
[They absolutely make a face when Isabeau laughs, but probably not for the reason he's expecting. They can't let stardust beat them at this that easily.]

... Hmm! A fair attempt, but this isn't just any old pigeon! He should have a name that's more dove-ine.
start_again: (sif145)

[personal profile] start_again 2024-10-02 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
[God, they're so stupid. Siffrin is a little too self-conscious in a room full of people he doesn't know well to openly cackle at the pun, but he drops his face to the tabletop, shoulders shaking with stifled laughter.]
jouvente: game. (omgg 👊 but how could you)

[personal profile] jouvente 2024-10-02 06:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ DOUBLE WHAMMY PUN???? Isabeau makes a sputtering "PFFFT-" before clasping a hand over his own mouth as if he did something bad. This is still him giving you your distance he swears, Loop. ]
theuniverseleads: fall in love with who you’ll one day be (023)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Loop just sits there looking very pleased with themselves. Taking out both of them in one fell swoop... that means they win at being the funny jokes pun person today ufufu

Their gaze lingers on the Fighter for a moment, as if to say something... but then the moment passes, and they pretend to look somewhere else.]
jouvente: game. (sniff 👊 be what I wanna be)

[personal profile] jouvente 2024-10-03 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ ...Yeah, he figured as much. ]
alphacraft: (O_urgh_1[BUST])

[personal profile] alphacraft 2024-10-02 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Odile grimaces and looks in the other direction. She doesn't know these people. ]
theuniverseleads: somewhere beyond your next life (031)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[yeah that's fair actually]
purevanillacookie: (017)

[personal profile] purevanillacookie 2024-10-02 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Aha, I was wondering who the large fellow was!

[ Thoughtful ponder. Thinking sweets names cause of course he is. ]

Coo Whip!

[ Tail wiggle! ]
theuniverseleads: you seem so far away (004)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-10-02 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Coo Whip! Hmm... I don't get it, but it sounds funny? [their sixth sense is telling them this is a funny joke so they're just going to choose believe that]

His Majesty Cooper Coo Whip...
purevanillacookie: (033)

[personal profile] purevanillacookie 2024-10-02 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm, it's a play off Cool Whip, which is a cold whipped cream topping back home! It is quite delicious! And softly sweet!

[ Of course! ]