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

2.

[sereneadherent]

Quiet, you.

[Marianne's tone is more far more forceful than normal, her gaze stern and fixated on the Claude in the mirror.

She knows more about Claude than most, although she's positive there's much and more he hasn't told her. That doesn't matter. He has a dream, and the ambition to see it through, and Goddess knows the entirety of the Deer have their issues. Who is she to judge his, especially after he's done so much to help her and the others?

Marianne trusts him. It's as simple as that.]

Are you all right, Claude?

[Her tone with the actual Claude is, of course, as gentle as ever.]

[leicesters]

Don't listen to him, Marianne. We know what kind of tricks this place likes to pull.

[The only trace of evidence that he might be bothered is the slight tension in his jaw, but he's trying to stay focused. Easier said than done, as even when his back is turned, his reflection is still talking, casually leaning against the frame of the mirror. Its smile belies the venom in the reflection's words.]

You're surprised Marianne even followed you this far, aren't you? How about the rest of the Golden Deer? Doesn't it feel great knowing that any of them could die on your watch? But hey, they're all just disposable tools you can toss away when you leave Fódlan anyway.

[Claude's eyes flash in anger, but he's still pointedly not looking at him or acknowledging him.] Which way did we come from again?

[sereneadherent]

Right.

[She sounds a touch unsure, if only because the Claude in the mirror is so insistent on making sure he's heard. There's something that catches her ear--"when you leave Fódlan anyway"--but she merely tenses in response to it and files it away to ask him about later. Now isn't the time nor the place, and there may not be anything to it anyway. And even if it is true, she's ready to forgive him for it. How else is he going to break the barriers of the world if he doesn't approach it from multiple sides?

Marianne takes Claude's hand and holds it tightly. It's a gesture meant to comfort and ground him, and plausibly deniable enough that he might actually allow it.]

I believe that way, from the east. At least, I think it's the east.

[leicesters]

[Claude's taken aback when she suddenly takes his hand, but he doesn't pull away, holding hers in return.]

Then we'll head the other way. [It's not like him to lose his sense of direction; he just hopes she doesn't notice that's a surefire sign of how rattled he is. As he walks away, the figure in the mirror is calling after him, still taunting him.]

Even if you don't fail here, you'll wind up alone, right back where you started! Good luck with that "new dawn" of yours!

[Claude's hold on Marianne's hand tightens, and he doesn't break step, still determined to keep his focus on the mission. He gives a dry, forced laugh.] Wow, I never thought I'd get tired of the sound of my own voice.

[sereneadherent]

I suppose there's a first time for everything.

[Marianne is not nearly as talented as Claude is when it comes to using levity to gloss over things, but she's making the effort all the same. She even forces a smile. It's about as awkward as the ones she used to practice in the mirror, back in they day, but... well, it's the thought that counts.

Claude doesn't look back as they walk, but Marianne spares a glance. She wishes she could do something to shut the mirror up, but perhaps simply walking away is better. It's a strange feeling, to be on the other side of this kind of situation--and with Claude, no less. But in a good way. Supporting a friend like this isn't the sort of thing she could have done before.]

I'm glad we decided to come in here. Imagine what would have happened if we hadn't.

[Time to change the subject and focus on the mission!]

[leicesters]

[The subject change is appreciated. He's so used to appearing the unshakeable leader, having even just a few of his doubts and fears put on display like that is unsettling. No doubt it only would have gotten worse if he'd stayed to argue.]

Yeah. Trusting Gwion's info was a gamble, but it looks like everything she said was right. Let's just avoid looking at any more mirrors too closely until we get to where we need to be.

[They don't need a mirror Marianne heckling them, too.]

I just hope we're not too late.

[sereneadherent]

That's a good idea. Whatever is possessing them seems... cruel. I want no further part of it.

[The absolute last thing Marianne wants is to have to face herself, so she pays Claude especially close attention as they walk together. No mind is clear of darkness and insecurity, but Marianne's is a veritable minefield of it.]

We'll face whatever comes once we find King Arthur. We have to believe we've gotten here in time.

[leicesters]

He owes me another dinner date once we haul him out of here!

[In your dreams, Claude. Still, as they continue on, no good humour in the world can fully distract him from the things his reflection said, and as much as he likes to sweep things under the rug, there's one thing he feels he needs to clear up with Marianne.]

You know I don't think of you as like a tool, right? [He can't deny he manipulates people, always has, and he's sure by now all the Golden Deer know it, but...] You mean more to me than that.

[sereneadherent]

[Marianne looks over at him, her expression a bit surprised at first but quickly warming into sympathy. Claude's shaken by what the reflection said. Of course he's shaken. Who wouldn't be?]

Yes, I know. All of the Deer do, even those of us who aren't especially good at expressing it.

[She gives his hand a reassuring squeeze.]

The mirror you is wrong. We all believe in you, and we wouldn't if you didn't believe in us, too. That's why we're all working to build a better world. Together.

[leicesters]

Sorry... I know it's not like me to get like this. But I had to be sure.

[It's not like he has an army to put a brave face on in front of right now, and he knows that for Marianne -- once upon a time -- being told she was a disposal tool would have only knocked her low confidence down further.]

You're right, though, thank you. [He squeezes her hand back, and his smile is back in place.] All right, let's be on guard -- we can't be far from the end now.

[sereneadherent]

No apology necessary. You're fine, Claude.

[He finally smiles, and her expression softens to something more genuine as she returns it.]

I'll stay close so that we aren't separated again. If either of our mirror selves decide to follow, we can look out for each other.

[She sincerely hopes that won't be the case. Claude knows her demons, better than she knows his, but she'd rather not have it all laid bare for all and the Goddess to see.]