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

[hegemonwings]

[ she swallows, heavily, not looking at him. the strains of wicked delight and judgement under the reflection's surface only seem to grow. they need to get out of here, they can discuss this later, she knows that, she's avoided this subject as a sore spot for a reason, but—

when she finally shows hurt and anger in her voice, it isn't aimed at the woman in the mirror. ]

A dream that ends with her still being that thing. [ she exhales that, shaking her head and setting her jaw as she jerks a hand in the direction of the mirror. ] All that's changed is that now you can control Fódlan's immortal ruler. For Almyra's benefit, not Fódlan's. She may accept it now, but will she remember you so fondly in a century? Two?

[ this is unfair to claude, she knows it, but even so... byleth finally shakes her head again, beginning to walk. when she speaks again it's... tired, almost a murmur. ]

Don't fall behind.

[gunmettle]

[ It's clear he's looking at her, barrel angled in her direction, watching as she shuffles around and refuses to meet his gaze. Well, he can't say he blames her.

He digs around in his pocket for his cigarette case and lifts a smoke free, clamping it between his teeth as he next fishes around for a match. ]

No shame in faltering. That's the thing about humans - we're only human.

Just glad I could help.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Sounds like you've never been a fan of the fae.

[Don't mind him. Just...go off, Cece. Go off.]

[wolfhunted]

Thanks! I've never made anythin' with clay before...but I always thought Merlyn would make a good sculpture.

[Merlyn, for his part, has definitely noticed the skewer of meat Souma is holding. He doesn't move, but he still looks at it with a lot of interest. Thankfully for him, Robyn notices that Merlyn is probably hungry.]

Alright, you can have some. I can do the rest without you posin', anyway.

[owarifool]

The truth is, people are always judging you. [ Kipposhi shrugged, shifting to wrap his arms behind his head, leaning back against a nearby support beam. ]

No matter what you do, or what you think of yourself, part of your identity is crafted by the people around you. You can either lean into that, defy what they've painted you as, or somewhere inbetween, but cowering beneath it is just delaying the inevitable.

[sighsheavily]

[ok well she goes off:]

IT'S NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE FAE IT'S A PROBLEM WITH INTERSPECIES AND INTERPLANAR RELATIONS! This! Isn't! Commonplace! And if it IS by some chance common, then where are the bloody guidelines? The education! No bloody wonder relations and trade broke down with Camelot and Celliwig - at the rate things are going, everyone's going to be polymorphed into left socks and lilypads before any sensible traction is made!

I should've known it the very second rogue wizardry was left unchecked and unpunished after mentally manipulating everyone and everyone just--just brushes it off as a harmless fancy I'm smarter than this childish storybook nonsense--

[corpsewarblade]

[With her Blood Magic, Mukuro can at least sense other people moving around her- but that didn't help a great deal with the amount of people around the festivities.

But she did hear the shots fire, and Mukuro leapt forward- rolling to avoid it as she brought up her own gun. Her boots got quite the thorough spray from the paint-splatter though, that was way too close.]

...Rematch?

[corpsewarblade]

[Oh hello how did you sneak up on her-]

Huh?? Well, like...singing on your own is fine but in front of people is, like, a lot you know?

[beaumains]

Well... [ Gareth had to admit, she didn't really know how well Rowena would do on her own out there. She'd seen her fight, but that was with others...

But... ]

Stoirm has a lot of faith in her. And I trust in Stoirm's judgement.

[ The other wolf gave a solemn nod. Win or lose, she'd be proud of Rowena. ]

1

[beaumains]

[ Whoever was putting together these brackets had to have some weird sense of humor. But Gareth wasn't complaining at all. In fact, her excitement was palpable, brimming with energy as she bounce in her boots briefly before raising her shield and readying her lance. ]

It's been so long since our last match, my King! I'll show you I've gotten even stronger since then!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Do you feel better getting that out?

[wolfhunted]

Thanks! Though I don't think he likes modelin' very much.

[Merlyn cheeps out something that makes Robyn roll her eyes a little.] I know, I know. I'll be done soon.

[She goes back to working on her sculpture's wings, though she also takes a moment to look at Wolfwood's own sculpture.] Yours looks nice, too.

1/3

[sighsheavily]

[she stops and whirls around to yell at him:] What in the sixteen hells and subhells is better about-!

[sighsheavily]

[wait what the fuck is happening right now.

and why is her reflection just looking so fucking smug over Darin's shoulder.]

[sighsheavily]

...Ah, gods.

[awareness hits and she goes quiet, slowly turning back around, clearing her throat, and proceeding to hasten ahead. in silence.]

[corpsewarblade]

[The reflection stiffened- like a soldier receiving an order- before Mukuro turned her focus on Monika.]

Yeah, it's- I can explain, it's just- a mess, so-

[Where to even start?

Despite her attempts to put up her usual lively front, it just didn't reach her eyes. The reflection was right, after all. And it seemed to pick up on her doubt.]

"What to do, what to do... if people know, then you're failing at carrying out your orders. If they don't, then you're stuck with no one knowing you exist."

...It's fine. I'm fine. Really.

[That...was not even the slightest bit convincing.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...You know, I kinda think this place was designed with people like you in mind.

2

[lastexit]

Who are you to define what's real?

[Maya was a quiet thing before she broke, after she broke she could be nearly silent when she wanted. Plus this man was distracted by his doppleganger. Maya's voice was sedate, devoid of much weight to the words. She barely glanced at the real Claude as she kept her attention on the illusion.]

Of course, I don't know this guy. But if all the things you said are meant to get to him. Sounds like he's a decent kind of person.

[sighsheavily]

[uttered lowly after a soft string of elvish in her breathing; she's in the process of binding everything back up again.] It's exploitative for all people.

[leicesters]

[Claude just lets out a hollow laugh.] Right. Selfish, greedy Almyrans who just want to crush Fódlan under their boots. Who would want to remember a person like that?

[He takes a deep breath, before following after her.]

I won't. [His focus is still on the mission; he has a lifetime of practice when it comes to setting aside hurt feelings.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Is it?

Because I don't seem to be having any trouble.

[excalibeam]

Indeed. I look forward to seeing how you've grown, Gareth.

[ As her opponent is Gareth, there's little point in using her light magic to turn her sword invisible, but she does so anyway. Others would be watching, after all, and it's good practice for maintaining it consistently. ]

Now, come!

[corpsewarblade]

Huh-

[Mukuro turned around quickly as the stranger approached her- not sure how really explain what on earth was going on.

She was right, though. The little voice inside the back of her mind said all those things, over and over.]

Yeah- yeah, I guess it's just words, huh?

...Maya, um. Junko. Junko Enoshima.

[The reflection laughed at the introduction, causing Mukuro to wince just as she started to reach for the headphones.]

"You don't even sound convincing. It's like she said to you so many times, your acting is painfully bad."

[sighsheavily]

[clipped:] My congratulations. That will save some time, won't it?

[beaumains]

[ There really was little point, as Gareth was already used to, on some level, fighting against the invisible sword. But that, too, was nostalgic. As soon as the bell rang for the match, Gareth launched forward with a speed that could be described as nothing short of explosive, the sort of charge that was near on strength with her own Noble Phantasm, had she access to it. ]