sticksandbones | EVENT 021

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EVENT 021

Solitary Voyage

The first light of dawn does not come this morning. The moonlight outside continues to cast its muted glow over the Grove, still high in the sky. No matter how long you wait, no matter how many minutes or hours slip by, the darkness remains, and the silvery sentinel refuses to yield to the sun. It also appears bigger than usual, its surface etched with shadows that seem to pulse with a life of their own, and you swear there weren't this many stars peppering the night sky last night.

Despite the oppressive night that looms above, there’s an odd sense of calm. No werewolves prowl the streets, no ominous howls echo through the trees, or other dangers that usually seem to threaten the Grove. In fact, it's not making it more cold than usual, either. The ice on the river, once a solid barrier, begins to chip away, revealing glimmers of water beneath, giving new life to the creatures that call it home. A handful of the baby Seaborn even flop out of the water to explore the world, as if it's entirely new to them and hasn't only been a month since they've been unable to be on solid ground.

The only thing that the perpetual night seems to be affecting is the local wildlife. Disoriented and confused, they flit about in a daze, their natural rhythms thrown into chaos. The diurnal creatures now wander aimlessly with their instincts dulled. Someone should probably feed these poor critters before they forget how to forage for themselves.

The Grove also seems to be sans one sea jelly. Hope no one booked their therapy appointment this month.

The Reef is Immortal

It was the loud creaking that caught your attention first, a sound that reverberated through the ground like the groan of a ship caught in a storm. There's a... tree? Or, wait, no. That can't be right. It's colossal, easily taller than the supposed "limit" of the sky barrier, but it's also... blue? There's a smattering of bioluminescent patches that give a white glow, especially under the pale moonlight. The "branches" swayed unnaturally, each one moving independently, like a thousand skeletal fingers reaching for the heavens.

With the coming of this "tree" also comes something some of you may be familiar with - the Nethersea Brand. It's a blue, web-like membrane that more resembles flesh than what anyone would like to admit. Contact with the membrane is not recommended as it invokes a creeping dread that gnaws at the edges of your mind and locks your muscles and bones. It wears off... eventually, but if you don't get out of it in time it'll continue to chew at your nervous system.

It is not localized like it was last time, either. It spreads and expands to cover all of the Grove more and more with each moment, every hour swallowing more and more land, with just a few exceptions. One, the Inn's lobby, which is protected by the Inquistion's Fireplace inside. And two... surprisingly, the River and its banks, where the Guardians (and the Behemoth) seem to be taking solace from the threat.

The baby Seaborn are not aware of many things, but they are at least cognizant that some of you don't seem to do well in the Brand, with some control over what it covers. If you're by the river, they seem to be able to control the brand just enough to free you, chirping in an innocent manner. You do not know what they are saying, but you can imagine it's something along the lines of "Hi! What doing!" There's less of them in the river currently, but the few that are around are nesting on Moder or following Sinann around. They do not sense the distress. They are just babies.

The Mass of Sorrow

The sensation of being trapped in the web-like brand is suffocating, a foreign sensation of the boundaries that have been blurred between your identity and the collective consciousness of others. Each time you succumb to the nervous impairment, it feels like you’re slipping through a veil, where the lines between your thoughts and those of others dissolve into a swirling mass of emotions and memories.

You can’t shake the feeling of grief that lingers in your chest, a weight that seems to grow heavier with each passing moment. It’s as if you’re mourning something you can’t quite grasp—perhaps the remnants of your own past, or the fragments of lives that are not your own. When you finally come to again, rising up from the brand to attempt to move again, you'll notice you have tear stains against your face you don't remember crying.

It's not easy to escape the brand, either. Between the rough terrain flesh-y webs make and the way it slowly neutralizes your nerves, it's a wonder you can keep moving at all. But more than that, there's this... voice...

"Embrace... Our Warmth..."

In short moments of clarity, you remember... dreaming? Remembering? Commiserating...? Something. Whatever the case, you were in someone's mind. Maybe your own. Maybe someone else's. Maybe even something from the forest - the brand is taking all prisoner, after all.

Best hope We Many doesn't share anything you don't want anyone to see, because it doesn't seem like you get much of a choice.

Elegy of the Outliers

Those holed up inside are not entirely forgotten. While the warmth of the fireplace and the kin of the river may keep the brand at bay, the persistent weight of grief and sadness still reaches those within. It is the curse of an ancient being long gone, a sorrow that lingers like a scar. Yet, this sorrow can be softened by the company of those around you. Distractions, warmth, and togetherness serve as reminders that collaboration is, as always, the answer.

Gazing out at the brand, one will notice shadows moving along the fleshy web—shadows that seem hauntingly familiar. Loved ones move through the Grove as if it has come alive again, as if the threat of an obsessed, fallen deity has vanished, and things have reached some form of normalcy once again.

Upon closer inspection, the observant may discern that these are not true apparitions, but rather the brand's way of storing memories within We Many's consciousness. It is a surreal experience, reliving moments through the Seaborn that drift freely about. This phenomenon is both unsettling and captivating—perhaps it could even make for compelling television while you remain trapped inside. Yet, the sight of a loved one, even as a mere shadow, may also be overwhelming, pulling you away from your current sanctuary.

Be careful out there.

Spark Notes

summary

Solitary Voyage is this moon's journey. The expected dawn fails to arrive, leaving the Grove shrouded in an unusual, persistent moonlight. While the darkness disrupts the local wildlife, causing confusion and disorientation, it also brings life to the river as baby Seaborn venture out.

The Reef is Immortal, bringing forth a colossal, bioluminescent "tree" in the Grove, accompanied by the spreading menace of the Nethersea Brand, a blue, web-like membrane that induces paralysis upon contact. While the Brand expands across the land, the Inn's lobby remains safe, and the baby Seaborn near the river seem to possess a surprising ability to help free those ensnared by the Brand, blissfully unaware of the surrounding danger.

The Mass of Sorrow is the experience of being ensnared in the Nethersea Brand. Personal identity blurs with the collective consciousness, leading to overwhelming grief and confusion as emotions and memories intertwine.

Elegy of the Outliers, or those sheltered from the Nethersea Brand, still feel the Arbor's weight of grief and sadness, a lingering curse that can be eased by the warmth and companionship of others. As shadows resembling loved ones move through the brand, it becomes clear that these are not true apparitions but memories stored within We Many's consciousness.

out of character

This month's event has been written entirely by Rubie! Please be nice and say thank you Rubie! Enjoy your memory shares and your eldritch horrors, and remember that questions asked should be asked in public channels and not DMs if they're related to this month's event. Have fun!

updates

Any potential updates, such as characters damaging something important or whatever else, will be put here.

submissions

❖ Questions
❖ February Plotting
❖ Past Life Plotting (Closed to Game Members)
❖ Investigations

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[ Despite the clear threat of retaliation, Joshua does not flinch, does not move. He stands, staring at the Beast, willing it to attack him. And when it doesn't, he relaxes his shoulders.

The Phoenix is injured. He wonders, idly, if that is why it cannot give more power than it does. ]

You say I do not understand, but what do you know of me?

[ Joshua takes a step forward, closer to the Beast. ]

Power does not mean physical might. There is power in kindness. Power in hope. So much that even the most frail can rise up. You have the ability to spark this - as do I.

[ It is what he strives for. Anger, hatred, lust for power, it will only bring hardship and suffering. His mother had gone down that route. He refuses to follow. He will be aggressively, unapologetically kind. ]

Why do you and your siblings fight? Why must you fight?

[As Joshua steps forward, the Phoenix lets out a low noise from its gullet. Its head lifts, feathers flaring, before ultimately lowering once more. In this state, locked within memory, there is only so much the Beast can manage.]

You are right that I know nothing of you. But I have seen children much like you, again and again. You are as helpless to this tide as they are. [Internally, the Beast almost seems to scoff.] But you are right. Even the frail can provide something. The boy she wept for gave me strength enough to survive.

[There is no remorse in its words. If anything, there's a smug satisfaction. An eye for an eye, as it were.]

To tell you why we fight is to tell you the history of the world. To reveal to you secrets that have no bearing over you and yours. For what reason would I ever do that?

[ All bark and no bite, then. Joshua takes in a deep breath through his nose. Perhaps he is safe here. That doesn't mean that he plans on being careless, though.

The boy... he wonders, idly, if the Phoenix means Luca. But he won't pry - that is Luca's story to tell, and he is here for the Phoenix. ]

Simple curiosity.

[ It's a bold way of saying it, he knows. ]

I would like to know of the world where another Phoenix resides. To know how similar it is to my own.

[There's a long period of silence after Joshua speaks. With how still the Phoenix grows, he might be forgiven for thinking the creature had passed, or at the very least fallen asleep. Would have, if not for the fact that those blazing eyes still rested intently upon Joshua. It's hard to say whether or not it finds what it's looking for, but eventually it seems to relent.]

I will tell you one thing, if it ceases your incessant want for knowledge. [The Beast shifts, shaking out its body once before settling in a more comfortable position.] Nothing in this life is permanent. Not the Blessing. Not we Beasts. Not even that which came before us.

If power can be given, it can be taken.

[ Joshua does wonder, for a moment, what the Beast is doing. Is it resting? Struggling with its wounds, perhaps? But the light in its eyes has not gone out, and he knows that he simply needs to wait. So, wait he does.

When the Phoenix speaks up again, Joshua smiles, slight and thin. ]

My want is, indeed, incessant. My apologies.

[ But he listens, respectfully, eagerly. Nothing is ever permanent. The same is true in his world - his own Phoenix blessing, given to his brother, would peter out with either of their deaths. Dominants are certainly not immortal. Even Ultima, who came before them, can surely be defeated.

But something about what was said doesn't sit right with him. It cannot be that simple. He ponders for a moment, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. ]

Has your power been taken, Phoenix? Or do you allude to something else?

[If nothing else, the Phoenix seems to approve of the apology. Better that the boy at least start to learn his place. Beyond that, it remains silent for another stretch, contemplating the costs of an answer. It knows, of course, that the truth will come back around to his charge. And while the Phoenix itself may be yet out of reach, there was always a chance.

A low noise, perhaps a sound of frustration, finally escapes it before:]

I have taken power. Power has been taken from me. This is but the natural course of existence.

Edited 2025-02-22 22:26 (UTC)

[ It's a cop-out answer if he's ever seen one. Nothing there genuinely answers his question. A dodge, plain and simple, but that in itself sort of tells him what he needs to know, doesn't it? ]

I see.

[ And that's all he feels is necessary to say about that. The Phoenix won't tell him any more than this if it is dodging. No sense in putting forth the extra effort when nothing will come of it.

He's silent for a moment. Contemplating the weakened beast before him. ]

Phoenix. If I may, might I say something to you?

[ Regardless of what the bird says, though, he's going to say it anyway. But, there is a way to go about this sort of thing. ]

I am a captive audience, am I not?

[It's hard to say if the Beast is amused or annoyed as it shakes out its head. Regardless, it casts a look upon Joshua, before tipping its beak downward.]

Speak then boy. Before my thin patience fully evaporates.

[Their time seems to be more limited than the Phoenix's patience, though. The edges of the memory seem to waver in and out. Whatever has them trapped seems to be eroding actively.]

[ ... ah. Joshua can see that wavering. This vision, whatever it is... it won't last.

That just means that he has to take his opportunity while it's handed to him. He takes in a breath, looking the Phoenix right in the eye as he speaks. ]

As a Phoenix, it would behoove you to treat him with kindness. The flames of destruction are not all that there is.

[ His voice is calm and even as he says it. But in his heart, he feels disappointment. A Phoenix is not a warmonger, no matter the circumstances. In his eyes, this is a Phoenix in name only, not in action. ]

[Once more the vision wobbles, coming apart at the seams as roots themselves seem to tear through the vision. The Phoenix glances toward the destruction, then back to the young man. It's hard to say what those eyes see, or whether or not Joshua's words have taken heart.]

Perhaps not.

[If it has more to say, there is no time. The last of the vision erodes, giving way to the roots of the arbor. Instead of the Phoenix, there is Luca, who seems to have passed out from the ordeal. He's breathing steadily, if nothing else.]

[ It's a better response than he could have hoped for. The words leave the Phoenix, and Joshua holds firm until the vision fizzles out entirely, at which point he lets out a shaking breath, closing his eyes tightly for just a second. He can't stand long, or the arbor will just get him again.

But when he opens his eyes, there is Luca. His breath catches in his throat. He can't just leave Luca here like this.

So, he crosses while he still has time, taking Luca by the shoulders and trying to lift him away from the roots. ]

Luca... Luca, are you all right?

[It's a small miracle that Luca rouses almost instantly. His head feels clouded, mind swimming with a dream he can't quite process. Nor does he have the time to, considering Joshua's energy. He's starling upward almost immediately, tearing away from roots before they can draw him back in.]

Joshua, what's -

[He trails off as the memories of before, of getting trapped and tangled, flood back in. He doesn't quite understand the how of it, but at least he knows the what.]

I - I will be fine. But I suspect we need to hurry.

[He's already pushing himself up to his feet.]

[ Oh, thank the Founder. He'd been worried the waking up would be difficult. ]

Right. Here, let me help you.

[ He stands, holding a hand out for Luca to take if he needs it. The faster they get out of this, the better. ]

I don't know how long you've been trapped here, so if your legs are weak, don't be afraid to lean on me. Or, I could fly us out of here, if you prefer.

[Joshua has one thing right — his legs are weak. Moreover, he's still just dazed enough that he doesn't even come close to being flustered at having to lean against the man. He drapes an arm over his shoulders and shifts his weight, making it just that little bit easier to move.

With what little strength he does have, he manifests a small flame within the palm of his hand. He won't be able to do much, but he can damn well try.]

Just keep moving.

[It's hard to say whether or not he's talking to himself.]

Edited 2025-03-03 21:30 (UTC)

[ The flame makes him concerned, but Joshua won't question it. If they need it, he certainly can't do it, so it's good that Luca can.

Instead, he focuses on moving, as Luca said. Just keep moving. Avoiding the brand, he maneuvers them back to a decently clear spot, then stops so that Luca can collect himself. ]

We can stop a moment here, if you need it.

[Part of Luca wants to keep going, eager to leave the dreams he'd had behind. But he's short on breath and half-dizzied, to say nothing of what state Joshua was in. Much as he hates to stop, it's in both of their best interests to do so.

A sharp nod is given, before he lets himself slide to the ground. A heavy breath is exhaled before he looks to Joshua.]

You... were caught as well. Are you alright?

[ Joshua simply shakes his head. ]

I'm all right. I'll be fine.

[ Just a little bit shaky. But it's nothing he hasn't pushed through before. Now that they're resting, he closes his eyes, focusing on breathing, on flexing the numbness out of his fingers. ]

It isn't the first time I've been caught in it.

I hope you know that is not near the comfort you think it is.

[He feels a little guilty for snapping but... he's had a long, hard day.

Which... speaking of.]

I felt like I saw you while I was... trapped. Only fragments, but... [He closes his eyes. Dread wells up as he thinks of the most prominent dream he'd had.] Did you see something in there?

At least I am used to it?

[ It's said as a joke, even though he doesn't smile. He doesn't have the energy to spare for it at the moment, not while both he and Luca are recovering.

But the question makes him pause. His eyes turn to the ground, thoughtful. ]

I... spoke to your Phoenix again.

[Luca only grimaces at the attempted joke. The grimace turns into an outright scowl at Joshua's confession, though. It isn't that he's angry at the man, though — he isn't so foolish as to think that Joshua had any control in this situation. He's just frustrated with the Phoenix's continued presence within his mind.

As if responding to his thoughts, the Phoenix seems to bristle. Through their bond, Luca can tell that it feels more touchy than usual.]

And what did it have to say this time? [Luca speaks through partially gritted teeth, trying to radiate his annoyance back through that shared bond.]

[ Luca's bristling gets a raised eyebrow, but Joshua doesn't question it otherwise. The Phoenix, ruffled from having spoken, perhaps? Or Luca, still off-mood from having been stuck in the brand? It's hard to say. ]

Not a lot, admittedly. There wasn't much time.

[ He turns his head, glancing out away from where they stand. Idly wondering how far the brand truly stretches.]

It said something that made me wonder if it has been weakened, somehow.

[Luca follows Joshua's gaze, as if it might avail answers. When none come, he finds himself leaning forward. Much as he doesn't give a damn about the bird, curiosity gets the better of him.]

Weakened? [He feels the Phoenix balk, then writhe. It's almost as if the movement dislodges a memory. Nothing concrete, but he recalls heat and pain, neither of which are his own.] What makes you say that?

[ Founder, he hopes this won't have any negative side effects on Luca. He clenches his fists just slightly, glancing back to the other. ]

I asked to know why your Beasts fight each other. It gave me a vague answer, that nothing is permanent, and that power can be both given and taken. When I asked for clarification as to whether or not its own power had been taken, it seemed to dodge truly giving me an answer.

[Unfortunately, that's the Phoenix's MO. The good news is that it's too exhausted to be deliberate about any of it? It's the small comforts.]

Stubborn and not giving out answers? That certainly sounds like the Phoenix I know. [He sounds absolutely exhausted by the concept.] But... I suppose it is answer enough.

Did it give any indication as to how it happened?

[ To that, Joshua shakes his head, sighing softly. It's frustrating, but no more frustrating than untangling the web of mystery that surrounded Ultima. A welcome challenge. ]

No. Just that.

[ He tucks his wings close to his back, frowning at the ground and tapping his fingers to his chin. ]

There had been a woman before that seemed intent on attacking it, but by the time I was able to interact, she was gone and the bird was wounded. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.

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