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.

Comments

[sighsheavily]

[she'd say something about survival of the fittest, but it goes without saying, doesn't it? and saying so only shows her lack of compassion for the little creatures. so she lets it go. this isn't about her opinions anyway, isn't it?]

...I haven't been there since arriving. The shore...

Perhaps I've been holding a grudge without realizing it.

[kiss_it_better]

[For a moment he feels he's thrown back in time.

He still remembers being fourteen, that day when Yanhui Town had been attacked, the way he'd told Shen Yi to stop because Ge Chen was going to die. He remembered the bitter realization that to someone like General Shen, winning the battle and securing the objective came first. For a soldier, it was more important to focus on the overall battle not necessarily on saving a single life.

He understood now but back then he hadn't understood at all and as a result he'd run off to fight a fully trained soldier like an idiot.]

What sort of magic do you have?

[reloves]

[ Minako seems to momentarily consider this, with an audible hum. ]

Well, it's true that drawing and sculpting are two very different things.. [ Sure, they both require creativity, but holding a pencil and knowing how to draw things and sculpting clay into a shape are two very, very different skills. And having one doesn't mean also having the other.

Still, she's just curious enough to ask: ]

Have you ever tried it before? Sculpting, I mean.

[reloves]

She can imagine people are more into the concerts than the fights. After all, Minako is more into the concerts than the fights!

But that's not going to stop her from complimenting Haruka right in turn, especially when Haruka is giving her the full charm treatment for free over here.

"I don't know, I think the popularity of the fights is about to shoot into the air when a certain someone is going to participate.."

Haruka, of course. Minako doesn't doubt that it won't take long before the other already has hordes of fangirls in this place. They naturally seem to follow Haruka into any place!

[fullgauntlet]

[He waits with baited breath! Almost so excited he starts to fidget. Ever since he saw Tokoyami's sword in his dorm room back home he's always wanted his own so now he feels like this little side dream is coming true! He couldn't wait to share this with Tokoyami!]

Thank you, Tokoyami-kun!! This was the one that I wanted to try out and I've used it ever since! Is that what you mean when a blade calls out to someone? If you're interested I can show you the blacksmith where I bought it!

[Sword friends??]

[morns]

Next time.

( it's a casual comment, but she'll never say no to a friendly spar if it comes up. stretches the muscles, burns energy, keeps skills sharp. he's certainly someone whose fighting abilities will stick in her mind for a long while after this bout.

but the rest of the walk to the healers is quiet, and it's only when someone starts working on her leg - sending soothing pulses of magic through it, dampening the pain bit by bit - that she speaks again; )

How long you been fighting?

( his style is... mature, for lack of a better term. the sign of someone who has worked with weapons for longer than their time here. she'd ask where he learned, but it's kind of pointless in a place like this. even if she knew where it was, she couldn't exactly go. )

[kokuryuu]

I beg you to overlook our rudeness, Sir. [He bows, embarrassed. Snakes are gross.]

I am Souma of the People of the Black Thread. And my familiar, Kokuryuu. And my guess is... he is going to have a horrible stomachache, and I am going to have a very... distasteful. Mess to clean up later.

[He adds in a whisper, using a hand to shield his words from Kokuryuu]

I never had any idea how awful reptile waste smells. I do not recommend one as a pet.

[And, back at normal volume]

Have you a familiar like this, as well? What kind is it?

[morns]

( in that case... )

Like most people, then.

( she'll correct herself. familiars are a strange beast, aren't they? and it makes her wonder; )

You handle three-headed dogs often?

[morns]

( her ribs are probably the worst of the damage - or, perhaps more accurately, the ones bothering her the most - but as the acbe in her shoulder begins to subside, she realises that there's more pain shooting through her body than she thought. )

Ah-- ( ow. yeah, definitely going to have to direct him to her ribs once he's done. )

Aye? ( honestly, same. except for the combat focused ones, at least. ) What would you compete in, then?

( unlimited, unrestricted.

oh, and- )

Ribs-

( she moves gingerly as she lifts her top, where there's no obvious evidence of bruising yet, to expose her side. )

[mayoninofukucho]

Hm, alright.

[Somehow lightning magic seems appropriate here. He cautiously channels it into the crystal, somewhat concerned that he might crack it, but honestly, any elemental magic seems like a risk on that front. Luckily the crystal simply absorbs it, though, even if the electricity can perhaps be seen flashing inside for a little while.]

Are you a technomancer, say?

[He pretty impressed that she apparently designed this astrology machine all on her own, even if she commissioned someone else to build it!]

[sos_pilot]

I. DON'T. HAVE. ANY. ISSUES. I'M PERFECTLY FINE!

[ ... yeah, that just screams picture of perfect emotional health. ]

[mayoninofukucho]

Good decision! Enjoy!

[He hands over the plate and spoon. Here you go, Darin!! You chose your destiny.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[The intimidating mirror images laughing too is unnerving, but Hijikata won't let it get to him. He gives Darin's shoulder a solid squeeze.]

You'd do the same for any of us, wouldn't you? If that Diomuhr bastard thinks he can do whatever he wants he's in for a surprise. Say, are there any materials you might be able to import from your home that could tell us more about his kind?

[He can reassure Darin of the power of friendship all day (well, when they don't have a king to save), but he wants to contribute an actionable idea too.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Ow!! Hey!

[She sure isn't being gentle with him as she tries to get some distance between them, not to mention she knocked him flat on his ass. Mirror Hijikata is laughing hard enough that he's tearing up.]

What is this, a high school romance? "Uwaaah, I ran into you and knocked you over!" Is that why you turned Mitsuba down? Because she wasn't enough of a klutz?

Shut up, you ass!! Don't just make up your own plotline here!

[He'll pay attention to Klaudia in a second, he just had to shoot that down!]

[lastexit]

"Something like that," Maya thinks about what she means. "Like a well furnished shack? The inside and the outside don't fit together right." Even weirder when the inside is nice and the outside is nothing to call home about. Maybe it made sense, to keep this to themselves.

"I... haven't, yet." There's a thoughtfulness to her reaction. "That'd be a good place to check out... when I'm back in my normal clothes."

[lastexit]

[Maya lifts an eye at the name, it's a very distinct name she wants to ask about, but decides not to at the last moment.]

Haven't tried?

[Maya wants to be comfortable in whatever she can find comfort in, making this place feel understandable is a good place to start. Since she can't quite get used to her own skin yet. Not for lack of trying. Still, no judgement in her voice.]

Trouble is kind of why we're here? There was trouble before we were dragged here. Not that I belong...

[Maya didn't belong anywhere, as far as she was concerned. But she was working on that. Before being here.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata would be able to relate to that. It's not his first time at the multiverse melting pot rodeo either, only that his previous world turned him into something more like a werebull.]

Good to have you on board. I hope those ghost have had enough for the time being, but if not...

[He trails off, having to stifle a yawn. Damn, this exorcism really took the strength out of him.]

[blackabyss]

I shall do my best to do so.

[He carefully puts his shirt back on.]

Are there any other precautions I should take before I go?

[blackabyss]

He does not need to, but now that he is here, he chooses to do so. He's taken a delight in trying new foods.

[He seems to also like apples, to Fumikage's delight.]

[As for where Dark Shadow is, Tokoyami points with his thumb to a nearby bench and table. There indeed is Dark Shadow, happily munching on an apple turnover and peeking out from beneath the bench. When he sees Zidane, he waves a shadowy hand.]

The crowd was a little much for him.

[blackabyss]

[Tokoyami nods.]

That is what I meant. A weapon is an extension of one's soul, much like our Quirks. It is more than just an extension of one's arm, but of their very being. No two people wield their weapons in identical fashions, after all.

[At least, based on what he's seen in media...]

[He perks up.]

I would be delighted to see the forge that birthed such a fine blade. And perhaps see what others they have for sale.

[Sword friends!]

[mayoninofukucho]

Cooking isn't necessarily just about how many different ingredients you can put together. It's about the technique.

[???]

[mayoninofukucho]

Got it.

[Damn, just how many pitfalls did Celliwig build into this hall?! Or maybe this trap was set by whoever attacked Arthur's party... either way, now Hijikata knows not to indulge any distressingly autonomous reflections he may encounter.]

Look, I don't know what to do here, but I'll get you out! I'll find a siphoner or somesuch. There are other people trapped in the mirrors too, so we'll definitely find a way to free you!

[He really doesn't want to leave Emet-Selch behind in this glass prison, but the fear for King Arthur is urging him to move on. Once the king is saved they can free everybody else with his guidance, or if they're especially lucky the mirror trap will be broken along with whatever spell has been put on the king.]

[silvergarden]

[Rinea manages a sad, sympathetic smile, taking in his expression.]

You must work very hard, to know yourself so well and outpace your own impulses.

[Something about Kadoc's anguish, his desperation for acknowledgement, reminds her... Reminds her of...

...

She squeezes his hand.]

Shall we... keep walking?

[writtendestiny]

I think... that sounds like a good idea.

[She doesn't want to hear anything that her reflection has to say - it's nothing good, nothing she doesn't already know, and it's too easy to get a reaction out of her.

Though it isn't talking to her right now she can almost see her reflection in the corner of her vision, with a smug look on its face like it's going to speak up at any moment.]

Wouldn't expect anything else from fae magic. Are you okay?

[writtendestiny]

That's why it's worse. Mine was... telling me things. Like yours was.

[Things she hadn't wanted to hear. Things she knew already, or felt in her heart, and that was why it hurt so much.

Poison reaches over and gently takes his hand, holding it loosely between both of hers. She doesn't volunteer contact like this for many, but Gokudera already knowing who she is goes a long way towards easing any discomfort she might feel.]

You're okay now, right?