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

[tantailizing]

I don't remember setting any rules before we did this. I just told you not to get mad at what happens.

[Depends on how fast Bakugou feels that nudibranch poison.]

[roseeclair]

[Okay now the glare is more serious, because it feels like he's implying that she doesn't know how to handle herself.]

In an emergency, or a battle? Yeah, of course I take it seriously. And I'm rolling with these punches, aren't I? But this is a cooking competition at a festival that I signed up for fun because cooking and baking make me happy and it's a nice way to get to know other people and their cooking styles. If you don't take time to relax or enjoy anything, all you're gonna do is wear yourself down, body and soul. The good things in life are too precious to breeze pass.

[And she knows how precious they are, with how many times she's come close to dying, or losing the battle.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Yeah, that would've been too easy!

[That's the spirit, Zelgadis..!! Hijikata takes a deep breath, recalls the incantation he best remembers, and cracks his knuckles.]

Spirit, I compel you,
By the powers that rule this mortal world,
By the air that invigorates my mind,
By the water that sustains my life,
By the fire that warms my heart,
By the lightning that ignites my spirit,
By the earth that will accept my bones.
Begone from this world that you no longer share!

[Is is a long one... but it does the trick of creating a magical connection between him and one of the ghosts, so he can start pulling it out, sort of like using the Force in St*r W*rs. This is going to be one hell of an ordeal, but they sure are expanding their skill set here!]

[apshot]

[ Doesn't sound like a problem to him? ]

Lyricist then?

[ So that even if she is not the one out front and singing, someone else is. She still conveys her words with song. Bakugou doesn't see that as a loss. ]

[flamekthunder]

...Hm...

[Just giving Gran a doubtful look. Though he's teasing a bit. He knows Gran doesn't always recklessly go into something without backup if he can.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Feeling her hand on his back is honestly comforting. Hijikata isn't physically hurt at all, yet he's struggling to keep it together... damn it, it'll really take him some time to get a good sense of his mana bar magic endurance. He musters a nod.]

Yeah. I'm just drained; I'll be fine.

[He takes a deep breath, then lifts his head to check on the main mirror. Satisfied to see all crystals free of that unearthly blue glow he looks around until his eyes find the king. Luckily healers are already swarming towards him.]

Go give them cover as they fix him up, just in case.

[He's confident that he himself will be fine after just a little break... he wants to close his eyes, but he'll keep them open and instead reward himself with a cigarette.]

[gunmettle]

[ Just like that, the flood of familiar strength has all but left him. That’s his least favorite part of his siphoning business, if he’s honest - the part where it all goes away and he’s left feeling like he’s living in someone else’s body.

So, as Wolfwood skirts back and snatches up a sword, Juzo plants a hand in the middle of its owner’s chest - both to stop the guard from getting back up, and to take a little more strength for the road. ]

Right behind you.

[ Said as he gets to his feet, moving to follow. The sooner they get into the Hall of Mirrors, the sooner this whole mess can hopefully be over. ]

[langa]

Not if you properly leaned how to do them.

[ Or just had your best friend get you to try it. And then tape your feet to a skateboard and gun for it. Nothing about his learning how to skateboard was technically proper, but it worked for him. He's never held a weapon in his life and his magic - well, is healing.

Not really ideal for a fight. ]

I don't fight. And all I've gotten the hang of is healing.

[ His reasoning is sound. Eventually. ]

I have light magic too but haven't used it once yet.

[letmewin]

Gosh, you weren't allowed to explore at home?

( It... It sounds a little like they have that in common -- sort of. After all, monsters were sealed inside of the Undergound, and after a while... the Underground felt small. )

[letmewin]

And you got to perform? Uhm... do you mean in plays, then? It sounds like you had an awful lot of adventures...

( And acting in a play sounds so fun! )

Which one is your favorite? I'd really like to hear about that one.

[granmaster]

Good to hear!

[ a small laugh. ] It'll be a fair fight, I'm sure!

[tempredmental]

I know that mirror is really important, but it looks like it's caught in the curse. We might have to break that like I did with the one trying to capture you.

[Which could be a problem with the Celliwig locals, but... saving Arthur was paramount, right?]

[yorhaberserker]

[She giggles at that and nodded.]

And there was that cooking competition too. So we really can't lose. Have a tour of food!

[tempredmental]

[He looked over at her a smiled a bit, chuckling.]

Nice one.

[tempredmental]

[The sudden stillness from Hijikata pushed through to Keith's consciousness and brought him back to the moment. He blinked a couple of times, breathing hard and unsteadily as he stared at the cut he'd created in something akin to mild shock. As the other man stood, Keith collapsed back on the dirt for a moment, just breathing, his eyes closed as he tried to sort through his thoughts. He focused on the crowd noise, amplified now that they knew the fight was over, and let it guide him through his panic and out of that memory. Then, with a bit of effort and fatigue, he eased himself back to his feet.

He didn't notice the outstretched hand at first, but then... looking between that and the owner, he seemed momentarily unsure before he finally took it in good faith as a post-contest sportsmanship gesture.]

Good fight...

[He was definitely out of breath, and probably should head over to the medical tent to get his shoulder looked at before the next fight on his schedule...]

[tantailizing]

If you ask every time we talk, you'll probably learn plenty about it.

[But she might have to tell him more about her world in exchange over time. This can't be a one-way learning experience.]

Well, not that much different. The faeries have their queen too, but none of us have met her. Still counts though! As for King, there was the King of Burmecia, but I don't think the Prince has taken the throne yet.

[kingfuckboy]

Oh - absolutely. Oh yeah, for sure.

[ Familiars are one thing, JJ is pretty sure his gets up to no good when he doesn't see him. He still, smiles easily. ]

I've always performed in front of people, and I love it! So for me, it's... totally normal. You know?

But - I mean, it's something you do if you really want to or like it. Don't like crowds having all eyes on you?

[ He's -- teasing a little because he even got the impression. ]

[kirijo]

[ It's clear very quickly that her opponent is a skilled swordsman in his own right. Hijikata has an answer for every attack, and while she's able to parry each of his blows in turn, doing so isn't easy.

[ And in truth, she's glad for it. She's always relished a challenge, and he seemed to be eager to present her with one ...

[ A statement that rang all the more true when he disengaged and cast a fireball in her direction.

[ She reacted quickly, leaping to one side in an effort to evade the attack, but she was only partially successful. Agile as she was, the fireball still caught the edge of her coat, setting it alight and drawing an alarmed gasp from Mitsuru and a good portion of the crowd.

[ Mitsuru, however, did not panic. The surprise wore off as quickly as it overtook her, and her training and experience took hold. Instead of moving to immediately divest herself of the coat, she rushed forward. As she closed into striking range, she planted her front foot and spun on the ball of her foot. ​The pirouette's momentum caused her coat to whirl around her like a dancer's skirt, whipping the garment's flaming edge towards Hijikata's face in one fluid motion.

[ It would come perilously close to his face, but it wouldn't actually strike him.

[ What Mitsuru intended to do was obscure his vision with the wall of whirling fabric and fire to disguise the spinning heel kick she was throwing behind it.

Totally alright! The past few weeks have been crazy for me, so apologies for my own slowness.

[kirijo]

As are yours.

[ He was clearly practiced using the shadows as weapons, but to move as deftly as he had with so little time to react spoke to the effort he'd put into developing his combat skills as a whole.

[ However, she had no intention of slowing down to admire his work. Even as he attempted to retreat to safety, she knelt down and placed her palm on the ground. From that point of contact, ice began to spread, racing across the ground towards Tokoyami's feet.

[ If he wasn't careful, he'd find his feet frozen in place, and he would be in a far worse position to evade her next attack. ]

[tantailizing]

Yup! We put on plays everywhere and at request~!

[Acting in a play is so much fun.]

My favorite? That's have to be Alexandria then. It's a beautiful kingdom right next to a lake and standing on a high cliff that you can see the valley below. The main feature though is Alexandria Castle and its crystal sword. The knights are a bit strict, but they keep the street clear of crime and most folks are friendly.

[sereneadherent]

[Jade will feel how much poor Marianne is shaking under her hand when she reaches out, but Marianne doesn't pull away. There are tears in her eyes when she finally lets herself look away from the monster in the mirror for more than a few second.]

I...

[Her voice catches, and it takes a few moments for her to try again. To help with her confidence, she reaches up and holds onto the hand Jade has on her shoulder.]

It's a long story, but... it's not wrong. Kind or compassionate as I might be, that's... it's a part of me. It's a part I struggle with.

[kirijo]

[ She'd been wondering what sort of magic he wielded, and now ... she still has some questions regarding what precisely he could do - whether his magic was alchemical or elemental in nature - but she has some idea of his capabilities.

[ Still, his action demanded a reaction, and as she begins to sink into the sandy quagmire he'd made of the ground beneath her feet, she channels another burst of kinetic magic to launch herself free. While still in the air, she slashes her rapier in his direction, using the gesture to channel her elemental magic into a powerful gust of wind that follows the arc of her blade.

[ The intent is to use his own attack against him, to blast him with some of the sand that he'd just created and create an opening to attack for herself. ]

[kirijo]

So I can see. You've become quite adept with your healing magic already.

[ And, as if to prove that point, Mitsuru lets out a relieved sigh as the pain of her injuries begins to ebb. She remains still, though, to avoid disrupting Eri's work. ]

Tell me, how have you been settling in?

[kirijo]

It's something you used frequently in your own world?

[ Mitsuru seems a touch surprised by that - partially because they hadn't discussed what they each did back home, and partially because Mitsuru's outfit had been decidedly unfamiliar to her.

[ As to Ochako's friend in the tournament ... the name sounds vaguely familiar. ]

Deku-kun ...? [ A moment's thought. ] You wouldn't happen to be talking about Midoriya-san, would you?

[peninhand]

Ahaha, that certainly is an option!

[ She smiled and nodded. ]

How about you? Are you considering a career as a chef?