The month drags on and on. Every morning someone casts Fireball. Every night, someone’s summon bursts through a window, steals your food, and runs. Luckily, the chaos starts to slow as the magic flowing through the leylines is finally used up, and the Grove’s natural magic — and your own native abilities — start to listen to you again. It makes resting easier, at the very least. No longer do you have to wait for your window to automatically repair itself after something smashes it.
You know, unless someone wants to start throwing completely mundane stones at it.
With everything settling back into a sense of normalcy again, Ydalir is… still doing things. She never apologised for her candies setting off a chain reaction of chaos, but this time, she’s not feeding you. Kind of.
“If you want to stay connected to the leylines here and maintain some of the magic native to this place, here’s a spellbook for you to write your spells in, and—” she slams a leather-bound journal into your lap, a quill on top of it next to a small crystal that looks like it’s made of quartz.
“A star shard! You’ll need to eat that to anchor yourself to the magic here. It’ll taste like sugar, uh… and it won’t do anything weird to you this time, I’m so sorry. Anyway, you should go out and practice with your peers! It’ll make all of this easier.” If you head out, it looks like you aren’t the only person who’s been snagged for a bit of a magic lesson. It might be worth asking the more experienced spellcasters to help you with whatever new school of magic you picked up, or you could grab a study-buddy that’s on your tier… or you could just rawdog it and see what happens. Surely it won’t be as catastrophic as when you tried to do that throughout the month.
-New characters that app while this TDM is good (March + April) & existing characters already in the game will be grandfathered into the magic system, automatically gaining one Tier One Blessing of their choice without the initial 10-thread buy-in. The rules on the page must still be followed.
-Existing characters with ties to Beiwe & Ourania are free to pick up Gifts of the Sun & Moon at this point, instead of a Blessing.
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sticksandbonesmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sticksandbones2026-03-06 10:57 am
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Fear not! I am glad to explain! [He folds his hands over his chest, while his shoulders square. Despite their close proximity he is... extremely loud. Oops.]
You are in Aldric's Grove! It is another world, one likely unconnected to your own! There are many people here in a similar predicament! I, myself, came from Japan!
no subject
The straightforwardness of a soldier, he surmises. It is refreshing to be greeted so upon his arrival here. It is almost a welcome change of pace to being leashed to his desk, forced to leaf through seemingly endless piles of paperwork.
And this Kyojuro gives him much to contemplate. Though Jing Yuan's expression remains firmly intact, his brow does furrow for a split second. Being ferried to an unfamiliar world was not a foreign concept, but he senses there is something deeper at play here. Namely, because he does not recognize the land this man hails from. ]
Fascinating. I cannot say I am familiar with either location. I hail from the Xianzhou Luofu, though I am going to wager a guess that that will not ring any bells for you.
[ Seemingly at random, he gestures to the weapon at Kyojuro's hip with his free hand. ]
Forgive me, but I couldn’t help but notice your weapon. Is it native to your homeland?
no subject
But, ah. More important matters take precedence.]
Not at all! [A delighted, if ridiculous, chirp.] But it must be quite the place, to bring forth a man such as you! You seem a warrior in your own right. Is that correct?
[A question he probably doesn't need to ask, considering the way Jing Yuan asks after his blade. But he lets it hang in the air even as he gives a nod.]
Indeed. It is a Nichirin sword, crafted by the finest of swordsmiths to fell the monsters of my home!
[He draws his blade, and with it comes a shower of embers, courtesy of the unfettered magic in this place. Oops.]
no subject
Of a sort. [ Alright, so we're being coy. Jing Yuan's smile widens just enough to be conspicuous. ] What gave it away?
[ When Kyojuro draws his weapon without an iota of hesitation, Jing Yuan surmises that this is a man who has seen much conflict. When the unsheathing of his blade sprays scattered embers, he gains at least a rudimentary understanding of why.
Interest sharpens his golden gaze. He tilts his head, looking from the blade to Kyojuro. ]
May I? We can entertain a temporary exchange. You seem rather interested in my guandao.
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You hold yourself with a certain authority. It is a familiar sight amongst my companions, that is all!
[There's also his general physique, and the fact that he wields a weapon at all. While it was true that it could all simply be for show, Kyojuro doubted one would have a prop weapon on hand in the exact moment they were ensnared by the magic of this place. Which, speaking of magic: it's not lost on him that this man becomes all the more curious the second that magic rears its head. A note is made in the back of Kyojuro's mind — something to pursue later, perhaps.]
Of course! [Kyojuro places the end of the blade in his opposite hand, then releases the hilt. He holds it out to Jing Yuan like this, still smiling broadly.] Mine is little more than a sword, so you should have no issue with it. Is there anything I should know about your weapon?
no subject
Who is to say I am not merely a particularly intimidating counselor? The burden they bear is gargantuan. One would have to be incredibly imposing to grapple with the weight of all those administrative tasks.
[ A bit of an inside joke, but his voice is suffused with enough mirth to clearly imply he is joking.
Jing Yuan lifts the extended blade with immense care, and likely immediately discredits any budding weight to his deflection. Though the sword is crafted in a manner very different to the ones aboard the Luofu, it would take a shoddy eye to not detect the fine craftsmanship involved.
Before he becomes too immersed in his examination, he holds his guandao out to Kyojuro horizontally. In this manner, it would be easier for him to lift the weapon with both hands. ]
I must warn you that it is quite heavy. It's known by the name of Starfall Reverie – it has a similar overall shape to the standard weaponry typically used by our armed forces. It has some unique quirks, but they are unlikely to be an issue unless wielded by… ah, particular individuals of particular status.
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Lina your bias is showing in your tag text.Kyojuro joins in the laughter, despite being oblivious to whatever joke that Jing Yuan has seen fit to tell. Why not keep the spirits high, when they are now comrades in arms?]Make no mistake, I am well aware of the power that those in authority wield. The strongest man I know could hold no weapon at all. But no mere counselor would walk around with a weapon such as that. A dagger or sword, perhaps, to defend one in a pinch. But nothing so intricate.
[Knowing precious little about the weapon, Kyojuro can at least surmise it would not be wielded in self-defense. The range alone would prevent being wielded in a pinch — at least not by someone without significant experience. Even Kyojuro, with his general prowess, would struggle to turn it around on an enemy during a life or death situation.
Still, he is possessed by a remarkable level of curiosity in that moment. He might not know now, and surely would prefer his own blade over that of this man, but it would be nice to learn. He has taken on the duty of studying Soryu Style of late, so why not expand his talent more. It had, after all, proven useful when sparring Tengen.]
What an awe-inspiring name. Does everyone name their weapons where you are from?
[Now cautioned by Jing Yuan, Kyojuro makes sure to reach out with both hands. Though he is somewhat confident that he could wield the weapon without issue, given the fact that he and Jing Yuan are at least relatively similar in build.]
How heavy would you say it is?
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Jing Yuan exhales a breezy sigh, looking down at his weapon. ]
Not typically. This weapon was named by its smith, who was a rather particular man with a rather lofty opinion of his own creations. It was always warranted, for his craftmanship was impressive even when compared to more seasoned artisans, but the result was some rather fantastical names.
[ Speaking of Yingxing at all, even briefly, still manages to introduce an unpleasant pit into Jing Yuan's stomach. It does not show on his face, nor does it waver the steady cadence of his voice.
Given the question of the weight of the weapon, though… he tears his gaze away from the guandao to give Kyojuro a searching look. That gaze wavers between analytical and appraising as Jing Yuan examines the breadth of Kyojuro's shoulders and the span of his musculature, attempting to gauge whether it would be an impossible lift.
It is difficult to guess based solely off appearances. The man's blade is not particularly heavy, but swords are not meant to be weighty; especially not ones crafted with such slim silhouettes. Jing Yuan doubts that it is indicative of Kyojuro's raw strength.
Eventually, his eye flicks to Kyojuro's face with a sly smile. ]
Heavy. Something tells me that will not deter you, though.
no subject
I cannot say I disagree with your assessment. This is a truly wonderful weapon! Though I do not know if it would benefit me in my own work. Still, I am sure it suits you just fine!
[Emboldened by this, he takes the weapon into his hands fully. Admittedly, there's a moment where Kyojuro's form is dragged downward. He expected a certain heft to it, but not to this degree. Regardless, he is able to swiftly adjust his form to take it into his hands properly.]
You were not joking!! Though it seems my initial assessment of the weapon was right. It would not suit my work all that well! But perhaps it is a matter of practice.
[He steps away from Jing Yuan in order to give a practice swipe of the guandao. The momentum makes him stumble forward briefly, but he is quick to adjust. A second swipe goes much better for him, and he finds a satisfied smile creeping over his lips.]
You must be quite the talented man, to be able to wield this with ease!
no subject
[ Jing Yuan does laugh the moment Kyojuro takes the weapon into his hands and visibly angles, but it is not an unkind sound. For the most part. That genuine amusement remains steadfast as he watches the man reorient his grip and his stance in order to more effectively heft the guandao.
When Kyojuro shifts away entirely in order to swing the guandao, Jing Yuan laughs again, louder than the one prior. It's bold. Most would likely hesitate to test out something so ornate and with such heft, especially when such a weapon was offered by an individual they had only just met. The mere fact that Kyojuro is so unabashedly curious about it to wield it at first opportunity is impressive enough. That he can manage to swing it with any effectiveness despite his lack of experience with the form required…
A hum leaves Jing Yuan's smiling lips. Interesting. Far be it from him to not acknowledge such talent, especially when Kyojuro has been so effusive with his own praise. ]
Oh, I have simply had a wealth of time to grow used to it. By contrast, I find your ability to swing it with any measure of steadiness far more impressive. The first time I allowed my apprentice to try he nearly fell flat on his face.
[ And since they're trying out one another's weapons, he will shamelessly shift the Nichirin blade into his dominant hand and give it an experimental swing. It is a different shape than the blades he trained with in his youth, but clearly exceptionally-crafted. It sings with glorious, lethal purpose.
Jing Yuan whistles. ]
This is quite a fine blade. My master actually trained me to utilize swords when I was but a boy, but they were quite different. It is clear that whomever crafted this was an exemplary artisan.
no subject
[He isn't trying to brag necessarily. However, Kyojuro has always been a prideful creature. He can't help but puff out his chest as he describes himself, holding himself with a sense of confidence and power. There was, after all, a reason he was a Hashira. Even if he had retired the title for himself in this new world, he still bore that same strength.]
While this weapon is very different, it is still a weapon. Some of the fundamentals remain the same. Though - [He rumbles with a laugh as he makes to return the weapon to Jing Yuan.] I suspect trying to wield it in combat any time soon would be a dire thing indeed!
[He watches approvingly as the other man makes use of the blade. A second wave of pride rolls over him, though not directed toward himself. He begins to nod emphatically.]
The swordsmiths who craft our blades are truly talented indeed. They live in secret villages that even I have never seen before, in order to protect themselves from the monsters of our home. Should they fall, we would truly be powerless. If there is any one being we should thank for our continued survival, it is them.
no subject
Or so quickly, for that matter. Kyojuro is rapid fire; he breezes past the usage of a term so confounding that Jing Yuan is spared only a moment to react accordingly before the topic shifts. A hint of a bewildered smile remains in the wake of the explanation, a subtle crack in an otherwise steadfast, serene mask. Should he even attempt to ask about bwoofs? They've breezed past the topic so seamlessly that he feels it would be remiss to ask Kyojuro to double back.
Thus, the moment passes uncontested. Jing Yuan makes a note to delve deeper into the topic at a later juncture… if only because it sounds like an entertaining use of his time.
Still, an impression has firmly taken root in Jing Yuan's brain: though the nature of their respective roles varied, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in Kyojuro. Time would tell whether that pride was tethered more to the idyllic concept of preservation or to personal accomplishment.
At any rate, he is satisfied with their experimentation. It has awarded him a rudimentary understanding of his companion, both on the field and off of it. Jing Yuan slides his hand down the length of the hilt, tracing the ridges of tightly wrapped cloth with his thumb. When he offers it back to Kyojuro, it is by the hilt. The point of the sword is parallel with his abdomen. ]
A justified amount of respect for what sounds like a dangerous profession. A strong defense is composed of many moving parts acting in tandem. Without that collective effort, even the most well-built wall would crack. Thank you for taking the time to explain the matters of your world to me.
[ That earlier curiosity returns, sharpening Jing Yuan's gaze once more. His eye seeks out Kyojuro's hand, then shifts to examine the blade. ]
I would be interested in observing a more direct display of your fighting style, if you would be amenable.
no subject
Despite their different thinking (or perhaps lack thereof on Kyojuro's part overall), they have at least hit on one point in common. Kyojuro, likewise, sees Jing Yuan as a kindred spirit. They have seen combat, it seems, and know the rigors of duty. It practically makes them allies in his book, if not outright friends.]
Indeed! I cannot claim to know the inner workings of every facet of our organization, but I do know that without the parts being orchestrated by our leader, we would fall short of the mark. Combat alone will not determine victory, after all! Caring for the wounded, monitoring the news from afar, all of it is critical what we do!
[He practically glows from enthusiasm as he speaks. That glow likely becomes outright blinding as Jing Yuan makes his proposal. A grin crosses his lips as he leans in, unconcerned with diminishing his excitement.]
Are you asking for a spar, my friend? Because I will gladly accept!
no subject
Purely reflexively, his eye squints in a cursory effort to shield himself from Kyojuro's proverbial incandescence. Aeons, it was like peering into the sun without proper eye protection. The enthusiasm, while wholeheartedly admirable, was quickly reminding Jing Yuan of his own lack thereof. This is doubly apparent when Kyojuro suggests a spar, brimming with such ardor that Jing Yuan has to close his eyes for a breath.
Quite the conundrum, this… the amount of effort likely required to contend with such seemingly boundless energy would assuredly put him through the wringer. On the other hand, assessing the combat capabilities of a potential ally without express endangerment was wise. In an ideal scenario, he would be able to request he observe a spar rather than directly partake. Such an opportunity seemed unlikely in this specific instance, though. He did not see any others in the immediate vicinity.
After a long moment, Jing Yuan hums: ]
I did just fall out of the sky. Are you sure I am in any shape for such rigorous activity?
no subject
Admittedly, Kyojuro is a touch disappointed when Jing Yuan doesn't immediately leap to the idea of a spar. Perhaps they aren't entirely in sync as people. But that doesn't discredit the other man by any stretch. There were plenty of reasons to not partake in a fight -
- including the one that Jing Yuan offers up. Almost immediately, Kyojuro shifts to looking sheepish, lifting his free hand to rub at the scar around his eye idly. He clears his throat after a moment.]
An excellent point! You should be making your way to the clinic, rather than humoring me! I hope you will accept my apologies!
no subject
The fact Kyojuro is so quick to balk at the implication that he's forgotten about Jing Yuan's potentially questionable physical health is charming. He laughs, and the sound trails into a sigh he exhales airily between his teeth.
There was likely little harm in humoring the idea, now that he considers it. He was experiencing none of the telltale signs of a concussion, and his limbs were only passingly sore. His duties were, potentially, light years away. And it had been an exceptionally long while since he had last sparred for the sake of it, rather than as a teaching moment. He shifts his gaze to Kyojuro, examining him with a new level of fastidious attentiveness.
He can practically hear Lady Fu grousing at him in the back of his mind. Though, with his untimely absence, she would get the position she had been vying for for many years now. Perhaps he should simply follow his whims for the time being.
Slowly, deliberately, he inquires: ]
Purely on a hypothetical basis, when you envision a spar, to what degree were you thinking? Strictly hand-to-hand?
no subject
I would like to take your measure in full! To do that, I would like to see you wield your weapon.
[To Kyojuro, this isn't much of an ask. The hashira were known for going all out against one another. Practice swords meant little, when they were trying to hone themselves against the tide of demons. It also limited their ability to channel their breathing techniques, an equally as important aspect of their training. This more... optimistic outlook regarding his fellow man was only bolstered by the fact that he'd never known a human enemy. It doesn't occur to him to wonder whether or not Jing Yuan could be trusted not to put a blade in his back.]
I assure you, I have no intention of harming you! I know very well how to pull my punches. Or my strikes, in this case!
[Once again, Jing Yuan is forced to deal with the power of Kyojuro's bright ass smile.]
no subject
The drowsy expression on Jing Yuan's face, though partially concealed by the thick swathes of his hair, has shifted in favor of something more shrewd. When he examines Kyojuro at this juncture, it is with a distinctly discerning eye. The assurance of lack of intent to harm, while assuredly welcome, only serves to further sharpen that gaze.
Jing Yuan is a man of honor, but he is equally a long-lived wager of war. Though he did not doubt Kyojuro's ability, nor the weight of his dire struggle, he does find himself mildly concerned over how such a contest may pan out. Still: there is an itching in his abdomen, like the distant rumbling of the Reignbow. ]
Not to worry, I'm not overly concerned about that. I would be far more concerned over the state of the surrounding area… and to what an extent you would consider taking my full measure.
[ It is said in a voice devoid of the type of arrogance one might expect with such an assurance. Jing Yuan smiles, but the warmth it boasts carries a hint of fang. ]
It may very well be a considerable weight to bear. Are you prepared for that?
no subject
I can assure you, I can gladly shoulder that burden. [He shifts a few paces back, all without tearing his gaze from Jing Yuan. He moves his blade into a ready position.] As the Flame Hashira, I, Kyojuro Rengoku, have never once backed down from a fight.
[He tips his head upward, wearing his pride without a hint of shame. A grin dances over his lips.]
I promise you, I will give my all to this spar. Are you ready for that?