isleofavalon | EVENT ✨ Tournaments & Trust

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EVENT ✨ Tournaments & Trust

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This is the event log for IC comments only! Ask OOC questions/plot/view event notes HERE or use the FAQ for general questions. Click here to view top-level comments only.

SUMMARY: King Arthur needs to go meet with Queen Elphame. Celliwig holds a tournament to invite other people to come with during the communication and celebrate their newfound friendship. A temporary barrier was put up so the river is currently mostly impassible.

After the departure from Celliwig last month, the people of Celliwig have been working hard to make the area around their town safe again from the angered specters. For now, there are makeshift barriers that are preventing anything from crossing the river, dead or alive, except over the Pure of Heart bridge. It will, at the very least, prevent more from coming over and overwhelming the land surrounding Celliwig again.

The city is open and, while the Elphame traders have stuck around to help train people in the proper use and treatment of mounts, the safest way to speak to Elphame is through Celliwig's hall of mirrors. King Arthur, Merlin, and a couple of other members of the royal court entered to speak to Queen Elphame directly in order to find out what information she knew about the Calamity and to begin discussion of what it would take to reclaim Excalibur. With the magics of Avalon having recovered significantly enough to not be at risk of falling apart if some of the otherworlders leave while still maintaining the barrier to keep Avalon safe, they need to begin discussing action.

At the same time, in celebration of King Arthur's arrival and a royal wedding within Celliwig, a tournament is underway! Celliwig's tournaments work a little differently, however, and focus on a little more than just combat skills-- a modern tournament for the modern person. (Though there is fighting as well, of course.) Celliwig's Top Talents Tourney hasn't been held in a good many years since it's been closed off, so everyone is invited to participate. Invitations have been sent to all of Camelot's residents. The tournament categories are as follows:

Cutthroat Cooking - For the chef's out there! Compete against other chefs to show off who has the best culinary skills. All contestants start with 2,500,000G which will be theirs to lose through the course of the tournament. This money can be used to purchase sabotages to use on other chefs throughout the course of the competition.

Vicious Vocals - Singing competition. Anyone may participate, there are no auditions. Each contestant will compete solo first, then have to do a competitive duet with another person who moved onto the second round. The final round involves performing and singing at the same time, so you may want to go find friends to give you tips between each round and help you come up with an awesome set-up that will wow the judges!

Speed Sculpting - This one's for the artists! Celliwig is really big on art, in particular sculpture. Any decent sculpture can be sold whether it wins or loses. Sculpture form can be made with anything you want-- glass, sugar, and ice are popular choices in Celliwig because of the city's aesthetic, but any materials are possible-- plants, stones, clay, chocolate, fabric, whatever you want as long as it stands on its own after you're done creating. (You can use your magic to sculpt if that's what you want.)

Melee Mania - Fight your fellow competitors one-on-one. Weapons and magic are both allowed. Healers will be paid generously for assisting after combat is finished.

Familiar Feud - Let your familiar have a little fun and combat each other! They're the star of the show here and otherworlders are only there in a support role.

Mario Party - It's literally a series of Mario Party games. If you win your block, you move onto the next round and so on. 4 max players per game. If you don't rage quit at any point, you get free energy drinks throughout the day because this party isn't stopping.

Silent Assassin - This competition will take place throughout the course of the tournament. All competitors are kept confidential, but required to wear a hidden body cam so that the experience can be shared online for audience viewing later. All competitors are given fake weapons (paintball guns, rubber knives, and so on) with sensors in them and have to find and "kill" the other competitors throughout the tournament period.

Anyone who shows up to either participate in or watch the tournament will receive 50% off a hotel room and a single (Potion) Counter-curse.

How the tournament will be run is a little different from an OOC standpoint. Any characters can participate, but in order to determine a winner, we will need anyone who thinks their characters skill is great enough to win to comment to the name of the tournament they are entering HERE! If your character would have canon advantages in a category, write +1 advantage in your comment. (So if you are from an idol series, you'll have a leg up on singing, or if your character is a skilled assassin in their canon, they could gain a +1. It won't guarantee they win, but it will give them a leg up so we're not ignoring their skill!) If you do not think your character has any chance at winning, please do not comment. (Someone who's never cooked a day in their life isn't going to magically win the cooking competition, you know?) If you think/want your character to lose even if they may have skills, we do not need your information. This is only an RNG for potential winners. We will RNG the winners from those who comment for each competition as linked.

ICly, anyone who wants to thread any part of it out, go for it! You can thread out watching, you can thread out participating, interfering, anything you want! Thread out having an intimate moment with a healer after a battle, a tearful failure and hurt/comfort consolation, buying a round of vodka flashes for your fellow losers. Whatever you want! Just have fun.

SUMMARY: King Arthur & Co. are still in chambers. A woman shows up and claims they're in danger, argues with Glwelwyd that she saw it despite that those abilities are not possible right now. Players voted to determine the next course of this prompt. (This section may be skipped for prompts now, but is still posted for reference.)

The day after the end of the tournament days, all seems well and peaceful as usual within the city of Celliwig. The mirror hall that King Arthur's party had gone into is still closed shut. The Hall is guarded by a 7 foot tall man with a long, scraggly beard and huge rippling muscles named Glewlwyd IV. (You may have seen him around at past events.) None may enter until negotiations are completed, and it is his sacred duty passed down by his ancestors to ensure that none shall pass his guard. Most in Celliwig won't even try, knowing the futility of such an action, which is why it is particularly peculiar that Gwion can be found yelling outside of the halls that they need to be let in. After an argument and a call to action, some other worlders chose to find Gwion and ask questions.

	"Listen to me, there's something wrong, you need to let someone in there! Look for yourself! I saw it!"
	"Time is frozen, the future cannot be seen. A dream is but a dream, not a prophecy. Disrespect from the people of Celliwig interrupting a meeting of the fae and King Arthur's party would spell much more certain fate.

After one more failed attempt to get past him, the woman stomps off to a nearby bar to blow off some steam, and ends up posting to the AOL Network instead.

The King's party is in danger. No one is allowed in or out, but they're going to die if you don't work together to get past Glewlwyd. You can ask how I know, but it's a real long story and we're real short on time, so I'm kind of going out on a limb here. I'll be at Celliwig's bar if anyone wants more details.

SUMMARY: A very close battle ensues in front of the Hall of Mirrors, with the doors eventually being forced open to reveal a dark, possessed hall. Reflects prey on characters' deepest insecurities and anyone who falls victim to them are trapped within the reflections. King Arthur and the Pure of Heart and Brave of Soul Mirror used to communicate with Elphame are possessed by angry specters trapped on Celliwig's side after the river barrier was put up.

After the drama caused by Gwion's warning, the city of Celliwig is rather unsettled. There's an air of tension thick enough that you could hear a pin drop, and enough people who thought it was more important to protect the integrity and wishes of the fae than to worry about the unlikely chance that a seer had a vision while time was stopped. A large number of people have shown up to stand by Glewlwyd's side and defend the Hall of Mirrors, a show which will not be forgotten by the people of Celliwig... However, the strength in both numbers and battle goes to those wishing to enter the Hall of Mirrors. The battle is strenuous, a mixture of both Celliwig citizens and Camelot's otherworlders, and anyone wishing to play out part of it should put either defense or offense indicators in their prompt title to clearly attract those wishing to play out the fight.

Those who manage to break through the line will make it into the Hall of Mirrors. The first and most notable thing once the door is open is that it's as dark as night. Not at all conditions for a meeting. And it's cold, condensation and fog forming at the door where the freezing night of the hall and the summer heat outside. It is not at all like it was the first time visitors were allowed in to place their Pure of Heart and Brave of Soul crystals in the mirror to communicate with Elphame. There is absolutely something going on, and those on either side of the battle may want to redirect their attention to the Hall. None of the party seems to be seen. Those who dare to venture forward into the hall will find themselves rather quickly at a loss for where the door went. There is a dim light still visible from it, highlighting the other people in the room and the edges of glass and mirrors throughout the hall.

An eerie blue glow reflects through the number of the mirrors, but it seems to move about as if passing impermenantly. Those who try to chase it will find themselves further lost from the entrance, until they find themselves face to face with a reflection that doesn't seem to follow their own movements. This reflection will begin to speak with the character's voice, then immediately target the character's deepest insecurities. Every bad thought that they've thought of themself is fair game. If the character can remain calm and keep moving forward, then they will not fall victim to the trap. However, should they react with a burst of emotion, argue, or be unable to move forward when faced with their own insecurities, they will find themselves trapped in the mirror, replacing the reflection.

Those who manage to pass the mirrors will find themselves at the Pure of Heart and Brave of Soul Mirror. The communication is still open to what appears to be an ornately decorated, natural throne. The Queen is long since gone, having been escorted to safety to keep her safe from the cursed mirrors. Notably, every crystal lining the edge of this mirror seems to have been infected by the blue, almost spectral color. Approached, a chilling laughter echoes from the possessed mirror, but the laughter is finished by King Arthur himself, back turned and facing the mirror. He turns around and wields his sword, ready to defend the mirror, eyes filled with the same blue as the mirror. As more people approach, reflections of Arthur seem to walk out of the mirrors as well to fight more and more people. It's hard to tell which is the real one, so can you really kill him to get him out of the way and get to the mirror? Fight the small army of King Arthurs and gather enough death mages to exorcise the spirits out of the mirror.. or maybe just smash it. Did you think this was the last choice you'd make this week?

Please refer to the plotting post for any additional plotting needs and to check added notes for the third prompt. Timeline-wise, the new/third prompt doesn't start until the 23rd. The poll for it is here.

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[The look Lorenz gives him is startled and confused... his reflection however, lifts a hand to cover his mouth, laughing loud and haughty and looking so very pleased.]

Oh? Do you hear that, Lorenz? He thinks his king is more attractive. [His reflection leans in close to the glass, voice dropping to something low and suggestive. Something he didn't even know his voice could do.] Surely not. Isn't that right? No one could challenge those lovely emerald eyes, hmm?

[The real Lorenz looks horrified, mouth dropped open and violet eyes wide. There is confusion there as well but there's a slight feel of performance to it, confusion because it's precisely what he should be feeling in that moment even if, somewhere he refuses to acknowledge, his reflection isn't wrong. He whirls around again, giving Yun Yifeng his back, voice rising to an even higher pitch.]

I'm certain I've no idea what you mean to imply by that.

That he's breathtaking, whether you'll admit it or not, is all... and your little friend there is right. Things would have been far better if you'd stayed in the estate like a good little parrot instead of ever going to Garreg Mach.

[Sorry Yun Yifeng. Lorenz is an incredibly reactive person and he steps towards the mirror, throwing a hand out to the side as he snaps back.]

Enough!

[Ah... and there's some of the swirling violet magic of the possession starting to snake it's way out of the mirror to pool at Lorenz' feet.]

Oh, of course I don't have to, but I am.

[She steps away quickly once she's paid, to let the people behind her get to the counter. With her treat in her hand she walks backwards to make sure her companion is following along, then she turns her attention to the pastry.

Jane uses the bag to hold it, pulling part of it out over the top and sinking her teeth into it, making a sound of appreciation as she does.]

Mm. So good.

[She makes a little 'tch' sound as she fixes a few of the more uncomfortable-looking cuts on his skin, now the bruises are dealt with.]

Well. To begin with, I'm not in the habit of passing problems over to other people. [Is she calling Izo a problem? Maybe. He was trying to intimidate her, so she doesn't think that's a poor call.]

But if I had, we wouldn't have been able to have this conversation, and I would have never known to not be too concerned to approach you if I see you again.

[Whether or not he might want to speak to her again isn't given consideration - it's more about facing the things that scare you, and often realising that they aren't really that scary after all.]

It isn't about owing you anything, sir.

I do not believe we can be physically harmed in here, at least.

[He offers her the most reassuring smile he can manage. They both know it's not physical harm that is the real threat in regards to the mirror. Still it's the best he can offer.]

I'm far more concerned about you, Marianne. Please.... be careful.

[Well that wasn't taken the way he'd expected. It seems he accidentally stepped on a mine. He noted that and decided to approach it...later.

Because right now, something was definitely going wrong.]

Get away from the mirror!

[He abandons the rock. Alchemy wasn't useful here but maybe he could still pull the man away with kinetic magic. Though he fears it may be a useless attempt at this point.

He regrets not just kidnapping the man in the first place.]

Really? That's lucky for you. It must be nice to already have family here.

[Robyn does sometimes wish her father was here with her, even if their relationship became a bit strained back home.]

Exorcism, you say? Is that your occupation?

[Souma is awed, now, as he looks at the other man.]

I... cannot say I have met an exorcist b-before. How fascin--

[Meanwhile, Kokuryuu finishes wolfing down the spicy chili and lets out a weird sound that makes Souma turn and offer him a horrified look.]

Did-did-did you just... burp? This is so rude. In front of someone we do not know, too.

OH, COME ON!

I go blab about your love life to someone and you flip out, but then you go around and air my dirty laundry?! Real nice, Fenton! Our little pep talk is OVER.

[ With that, she begins to storm off. ]

Yay! Let's grab some snacks on the way! We can munch while they crunch!

[ a victory! she's gunna take this and run with it FOREVER ]

[ Xiao holds his hand out for a moment. Come. Hand over your hand, Zidane. ]

You enjoy these competitions?

[Xiao, so forward... he kids and hands over his hand.]

Yeah! There's nothing wrong with it occasionally. Didn't you have some contests or tournaments back in your world?

"You are awake. This is not a dream. Say it as many times as you need to until you believe it." Marianne's voice is warm despite the dark look she's currently giving Saint Cethleann in the mirror. The expression is practically a challenge daring her to snatch Flayn away now. The spectre stares back helplessly, and Marianne decides that the message has been appropriately sent.

That accomplished, she presses her cheek to Flayn's head and rubs her back gently. Though she won't admit it out loud given the implications, Marianne is falling back on techniques she uses to soothe animals. Gentle touch, soft voice, and not forcing her to move until she indicates she's ready to.

"It's all right. You're safe here, Flayn. I have you."

Or perhaps the better solution is to shatter the mirror that is creating them itself?

[ He does not know what that would do ultimately. How the ripples from that act would affect them all. However it seems like a small price to pay in the end to stop the multiplication.

Xiao huffs as the copies press forward still. How many can he take on? ]

More than this.

[ Even if he can't in his present state, he has to. So Xiao rushes forward with his spear, coming at his enemies with a downward slash. ]

[ Right about now he wishes that his magic would be more helpful in these situations. Healing? Blood? The uses of such things are so limited to Xiao. Or perhaps he is simply not creative enough to figure out how to best utilize them. ]

Or we take out the mirror.

[ Either or would work for him. He cuts another duplicate down, growling. ]

[ Ironic, perhaps, that Monika wasn't even a proper human. Well, she felt like one, had the body of one and even vague memories of a normal life... But she'd still been created. An AI in some cheesy romance game...

Still, she nodded at the remark about hope. ]

That's right. I know I'd have given up without hope.

[ Wait— She just now picked up on something 2B had just said. She'd spoken about humans as if... She wasn't one herself? ]

Wait, do you mean you're not human?

[As Zidane leaps back, Ken continues to move forward as he lunges his entire strength at him. Placing his spear sideways, he hoped that he could at least thrust the older teen to the ground.]

[With that, Ken kept on shifting his weight a little.]

A little? But I have my familiar and my dog with me! So it's not as bad as it seems!

[That and he's use to seeing demons and ghosts and other supernatural entities. Going along in the manor by himself didn't seem to bother him too much!]

[Meanwhile Ken was starting to realize that Harry was starting to be tired. Instead of doing anything else, he just stood still and waited to see what he would do next.

Again, he didn't want to hurt him and just hoped Harry would give up at some point.]

[If anyone could manage a handicap like that, Jade is willing to bet it's Makoto. She's the determined sort, without question, and has enough experience in the kitchen that even this obstacle should be surmountable. ... probably.

She presses her lips together as she looks back to her own muffin tins— it is rather daunting, but she, too, is determined.]

I'll just have to be resourceful! I've cooked more meals over campfires than I can count; I should be able to make this work.

[She'd had a regular-sized pan then, sure, but a lot less control in other ways. If she can manage that, she should be able to tackle this. It's going to be tricky, but...]

I'll just... have to sauté things in small batches.

[That is a good instinct, and also displays a real talent with elemental magic. Or at least fire. Morgan has to be aware that other elements can enter the fray at any moment...]

[But where magic stymies, magic can see through. Morgan quickly opens his hands -- but doesn't release his grip, using kinesis to the same end as he switches targets. (Insert here a long, philosophical rambling about how using kinesis is literally no different than using his hands, etc. etc. he's a martial arts freak.) If he can just manage to get Katsuki off-balance he has any number of options to drop him and get an effective joint-lock. This is a real hard-vs.-soft style clash so far.]

Eheh, that sure sounds nice... I've never really had the chance to do something like that. We didn't really have grass at home...

( But now, he wants to try! )

... You didn't get a lot of sleep back in your world?

Without shattering it further?

[ She figured that would just make more of the duplicates, giving them even more origins to be born from. ]

Or... I could use this siphon ability of mine to redirect its mana elsewhere...

[ She had no earthly clue as to if that would actually work. But there didn't seem to be a lot of other options. The reflection Arthurs weren't slowing down, and they had to consider their ability to withstand a prolonged assault... ]

[Marianne has always been an only child, but she imagines that her relationship with Darin must be what having a brother is like. It's tragic and unfair that they've bonded so closely over their respective traumas and the vast overlap between them, but it's not like those traumas are going to go away even if they aren't close. And the kinship makes carrying the weight so much easier.

Especially in times like now, where he can speak directly to her heart as he shows her what he sees in the mirror. Her own reflection remains unchanged, increasingly small against the towering shadow of Darin's deepest fear. It's metaphorically appropriate, perhaps, that the difference in size was the same when he stood against hers.

Several moments of silence pass after Darin says his piece, but the effect of his words on Marianne is clear as tears spill down her cheeks. Her hand in his tightens, and after a heavy breath she finally turns to look at him.]

Thank you, Darin. I... I needed to hear that.

[Because he's right; some of the worst monsters she's met were merely people.]

And... I have a confession. I don't know if you remember talking to some mossatee earlier this month, but the small blue one... that was me. [Her gaze falls away from his guiltily.] I was practicing my animal magic when you found me, and I didn't know how to tell you that I could understand what you said.

Please don't be mad. I... I'm only bringing it up because I saw something in your eyes then that really inspired me. When you resolved to rise above everything. And... [She makes herself look back up at him, since this point is important.]

I have faith in you, too. I truly believe you'll find a way to remain yourself, no matter what.

Yes. In fact, a mage powerful in Conjuration magic can summon them to battle at their sides. Or you can just use a summon scroll or staff, that works too.

[He adds a few more details to his piece.]

This is supposed to be a dragon, but I'm not sure how well that's coming across.

[Now it looks more like a bat with a weird head and tail.]

I'd say that seems fitting.

[While Jade had rather complicated feelings about being 'gifted' with blood magic on the whole, the more time she spent practicing with it, the more she had begun to make her peace with it. There were some applications of it that were, admittedly, incredibly useful, and she's been practicing long enough now that she's learned to recognize it rather well.

She draws her own knife from her belt and flicks it open; a moment later, there's a thin red line running down the side of her forearm, growing broader as the blood swells to the surface, and she raises her opposite hand and twists her fingers to begin to draw it forth, bidding it to take shape.

It takes a great deal of focus to make a little blood go a long way, but within a few heartbeats, she's wielding a lance that she certainly hadn't carried into the arena.]

You next!

[She lets her weight fall onto her back foot, prepared to defend herself against whatever Kate sends her way.]

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Page 127 of 209

EVENT ✨ Tournaments & Trust

He ends up in the mirror, despite the best of intentions.

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Oh, no, haha. That backfired spectacularly.

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cw blood magic / self-injury