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avalonmods ([personal profile] avalonmods) wrote in [community profile] isleofavalon2021-09-22 01:13 am

EVENT ✨ Fall Equinot


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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: In the days leading up to the fall equinox, geese intended for eating escape and cause havoc around town, people share techniques to preserve plants for the winter, and Camelot's citizens compete to make the best light shows with traditional wax candles to draw spirits peacefully into Camelot.


With all the harder preparations gathered for the Fall Equinox, throughout the month people will notice that decorations start going up around town. The colors of fall seem to seep throughout Camelot, but more than that, so do more traditional sights and smells. In the days leading up to the equinox, traditional acts such as the sacrifice and consuming of flesh are performed. Well.. normally they would be. The fattened geese that are normally eaten in preparation for the equinox have escaped and are causing havoc around town. Geese are running around causing trouble for everyone-- stealing glasses, opening gates, putting up toilet seats when people try to sit down so they fall in the bowl... all kinds of madness! Even if you weren't intent on eating geese and were going to settle for the vegetarian option (pumpkin and nut soups are frequently served using the gourd itself as a bowl), you have to agree the general public needs to be rescued from these menaces. If you have the stomach for it, you are welcome to keep one of the geese you capture for your own table... but otherwise, please return the birds to the farm where they can be handled accordingly.

Birds are not the only sacrifice made to the autumnal equinox. As the flowers begin to reach the end of their life, there is a strong tradition of gathering flowers and herbs and preserving them for the upcoming winter, either to protect their beauty, scent, edibility, and sometimes magical properties. The simplest form of preservation is, of course, drying and pressing-- a technique you don't need magic for, but some of the locals will happily teach you. A more advanced technique can be learned to enchant glass bell jars to suspend the lifeforce of any living thing within its grasp for up to a year, if no one opens it. It's a technique used to preserve important or rare plants that may otherwise die out during the winter, such as herbs used in your favorite spell.. or dish. The glass bell jar will protect the plant, but each time it is picked up, a single petal or leaf will fall off of the plant. If all the leaves fall off, the plant becomes unrecoverable, and come spring the caster will find themselves cursed with a touch that wilts any plant they come in contact with. So if you choose to use this, be warned that there are consequences for misuse and a wide number of horror stories from people who have tried to use this spell for anything other than plants. Any type of mage can pour their magic into a bell jar to enchant it, and the type of magic will be reflected in a glass design that forms around the rim and handle. (An elemental mage may have glass flames form, or frosted etchings of your favorite animal may appear if you're an animal mage, and so on. Feel free to get creative.) Green mages may find this magic a little useless, since they can just replenish plants with their own magic, but it's still a good technique to know.. just in case!

Perhaps the most beautiful tradition that takes form leading up to the autumnal equinox is the candle pathway. Every street in Camelot will be lit up with thousands of candles for two nights leading up to the autumnal equinox, as a guiding light to help the spirits find their way to Avalon. The way the streets in Camelot are mapped out, the lights will form a path to the square where the fairy coins are being held until their release on September 22nd, the same area where the guardian egg ceremony had been performed. Some people get very creative with their lighting displays, which can sometimes result in beautifully lit streets and magnificent structures of flames. Accidents are quickly quelled by volunteer elemental mages throughout the city to prevent any structural damage. Some people might be compelled to make their own light display the most outstanding on the block, and it becomes a bit of a game to compete with your neighbors to see whose section of the candle pathway is the most extravagant.


SUMMARY: The autumn equinox ritual is interrupted by a huge earthquake caused by a Stone Giant bursting out of the Ash Mountains, bringing the closest Ash Mountain and Lestari to the ground. The purple dragon erupts from the ruins to attack Celliwig. The survivors of the collapse need help desperately. Characters must choose where they go to determine the fate of Avalon.


Calm and mundane preparations are a nice break from the sometimes stressful lives of Camelot's citizens and otherworlders, who often are asked to embark on life-threatening adventures and tasks. It's probably a good thing most of the month has been relatively peaceful, as things need to go a little bit differently this year on the fall equinox itself... but not as differently as they actually do.

In the town square, elaborate celtic-similar symbols are carved out into the ground and filled with mysterious glowing liquids. All of those who gained guardian tattoos and their attendants were asked to attend a ritual to release them on the night of the 22nd, along with anyone else who would like to witness. Everything is ready and as the witching hour approaches, several individuals dressed in flowing robes with their faces painted like skeletons approach. As the leader raises his voice to explain why they've come and what to do to make this night a success, a sudden shock-- Avalon itself shakes with the might of an earthquake... or at least, that's what it seems like for the first few minutes as everyone gathers themselves until they hear mass screaming in the distance. Though it's hard to see what's going on... there are still some very, very obvious problems.

A stone giant rises from the first of the Ash Mountains, crumbling the mountain around it as if the ancient being were holding the very mountain itself up... and it was. Those who visited Lestari will have seen its giant feet within the underground city. The former city. Lestari is now buried beneath the mountain, along with many of the other creatures living on and around the mountain. A huge storm of mixed weather forms above the giant's head, blizzard and lightning raging around it to no avail. As the people of Camelot watch what's only visible at a macro distance, they may not be as quick to notice that all of the fairy coins have begun glowing vibrantly, then suddenly burst out of the jars they've been held in, shattering right through them to fly off en-masse toward the stone giant. They embed themselves in it, fueling the giant with enough power to both begin to walk away from the rubble and for the spirits that have begun gathering in Avalon to head toward it, rather than where they had been intended.

As if that were not enough, after the Stone Giant takes two large steps through the Land of Rot, the gargantuan cloud of dust covering the ruins of the first of the Ash Mountain range rather suddenly lights up with a vibrant, ultra-violet burst of flames that illuminates the smoke. The gargantuan purple dragon that once took up residence in the mountain clambors out of the dust and shoots straight into the sky, enraged and furious, and able to sense where the magic came from that raised the stone giant. The reason it immediately begins flying toward Celliwig with the intent to raze it to the ground is likely not immediately apparent, but it is quite odd that it bypasses the much closer target of Camelot with its rage. As does the Stone Giant, though it does not head toward Celliwig and instead seems to absorb the souls of the dead that were intended to be guided by the fall equinox's rituals as it lumbers through the land. If someone does not stop it, it is headed for the Forest of the Felled.

King Arthur is immediately on the emergency broadcast system to implore people to join one of three groups:
  • Investigate and stop the Stone Giant

  • Slay the dragon and save Celliwig

  • Rescue survivors of Lestari and the Ash Mountain


  • The success of each of these missions is dependent on character participation. See the poll for details about how certain character types may affect the outcome of the missions.

    Please refer to Event Poll Notes for information about aftermath of this event and additional event info > Event Outcomes.
    cameprepared: Unsure of Source (Scared)

    [personal profile] cameprepared 2021-09-29 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
    [The scrabbling on the roof gets louder, and louder, and there is an accompanying HONK along with a visible jet of fire.]

    ...Well you may get the...

    [Claire sidesteps another falling shingle, and a goose flaps out over the square. A huge, black canine darts after it, but his lunge misses and the ghostly hound flails in midair as he drops from the sky.

    Thankfully he is, in fact, a ghost.]


    What the hell is with these geese?!
    friendsallover: (5)

    [personal profile] friendsallover 2021-09-29 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
    [There's a glance of acknowledgement towards Nanaki and Din is grateful for the other presence. It can at least distract him from his thoughts. Eventually he does put his hand on Nanaki's back. Not petting him, but just the solid presence of another is a comfort.

    He's quiet for a while.]


    I didn't realize a dragon could do damage like this.
    cameprepared: Unsure of Source (Wince)

    [personal profile] cameprepared 2021-09-29 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
    "You and me both, babe."

    Claire follows, plunking down on the ground near Steph's feet, offering the flask a second time.

    "I'm a terrible knight, and I've been stuck wallowing in my own shit since Sherry vanished. I need to get better."
    friendsallover: (2)

    [personal profile] friendsallover 2021-09-29 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
    Let's hope that's not the case. I can't say I'm ready for another round.

    [And if it is going to come back, he'd prefer to lay a trap for it. Or at least be more prepared.]

    It would. I'm sure there's more than enough.

    Are you okay?
    queenofminiskirts: (determined || I'll be the queen)

    [personal profile] queenofminiskirts 2021-09-29 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
    "...yeah. We'll have to deal with it later."

    Still, she can't take her eyes off the Stone Giant for a moment longer. Then she sat up straighter. "And then we'll come back. I mean, it's not like we know that nothing can be done, right?"

    About the souls that were sucked into that giant. Perhaps there was still something...
    tantailizing: Artwork by: Unknown (Oh yeah?)

    [personal profile] tantailizing 2021-09-29 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
    "Yeah, we don't know that yet."

    So, there was still a possibility. Problem would be how to get them out. Did they wake the giant back up, or did they need another method to pull the souls out? Shaking his head, he looked over at her.

    "So, what about you? Think you can get moving in a bit? Need another minute?"
    resistetmords: (We’re a company of soldiers)

    [personal profile] resistetmords 2021-09-29 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
    [She really should. And knows she should, but she also found it difficult to rest completely. Not that she thinks she can do much else beyond resting up.

    She still wraps the blanket up around herself further, keeping her body upright.]


    It's not all that bad. I can still breath, [Deeply and with great pain and effort] and walk.

    [There was a smile attached to that. Followed by a delfection.]

    Oh, but how are you holding up?
    Edited 2021-09-29 07:26 (UTC)
    flame_emperor: (86)

    [personal profile] flame_emperor 2021-09-29 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
    "No, but thank you for offering." Edelgard replies. "I'm almost finished as it is."

    She sweeps into the den with a tray laden with the promised refreshments. "And here we are. I admit I'm still not entirely used to this sort of thing, but this is well within my capabilities." She was no stranger to tea, and the biscuits and cakes, well...they were store-bought. Edelgard was not yet anywhere near a place to try...baking.

    "I wasn't aware you and Musse were already acquainted." She notes, setting the tray down. "But it's a happy little bit of serendipity. It should make things much easier while you're our guests. Please, help yourselves." Having taken her own cup of tea, Edelgard takes a seat, nestling herself against Byleth at the earliest convenient opportunity.

    "We'll just need to sort out the sleeping arrangements first."
    flapsin: (NOPE)

    [personal profile] flapsin 2021-09-29 05:39 am (UTC)(link)
    [He sure does see a bunch of skeletons that have formed out of nowhere! He's momentarily frozen with fear because actual undead beings are somewhat new for him! But he has a job that he's volunteered for, and he can't let these skeletons intervene with the rescue efforts.]

    Um, we - we got a situation here!! [He shouts out his warning as he prepares to sling some magic!]
    beewulf: (11)

    [personal profile] beewulf 2021-09-29 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
    Well he sure won't be complaining about the scrape.

    [Indeed he does, and yes she's on his list of "to box". If she ever shows.]

    Basics aren't that hard and boil down to keeping everything meant to be inside, inside.

    [He gives a careful shrug, mindful of what she was doing.]

    Could start now, if you want.
    phoenixwiz: (We Need to Talk)

    [personal profile] phoenixwiz 2021-09-29 07:08 am (UTC)(link)
    I am also hoping for the same thing as well. It’s been a while since everyone got into different teams and try to help out. To be honest, I never expect to see this much destruction just right in the middle of the Autumn Equinox.

    (His stomach is twisting into knots as he spoke: the damages he is seeing remind of the ruins of Hogwarts after the battle and the memories do hurt. It also hurts him to see the people of Lestari being homeless and possibly losing any loved ones they might have.)

    Hoot, hoot, hoot.

    I know, Hedwig, there is a lot of going on right now.
    ichoosefight: (say that again?)

    [personal profile] ichoosefight 2021-09-29 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
    Steph freezes, realizing instantly how perfectly hypocritical it would be for her to refuse and wanting to do exactly that. They trained her well, apparently. She wracks her brain for a solid excuse, but the nurse in her knows it's a good idea. She's not the only healer here, after all.

    Finally she groans, accepting that she's been neatly trapped.

    "Okay, yeah, you're right. I'll take a break."
    ichoosefight: (I did good right?)

    [personal profile] ichoosefight 2021-09-29 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
    There is also a Man-Bat! He's not always one of the good guys though.

    She gives him an amused look.

    "I'm not wearing the mask." For one thing, she'd have to make it with magic, and it's a waste of energy. For another, what would be the point?
    ichoosefight: (I can list them)

    [personal profile] ichoosefight 2021-09-29 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    She shakes her head.

    "Just scrapes and bruises. Can you get him up there yourself?" Li Min is big, but people are heavy. It's not an easy spot to maneuver, but she doesn't want him to hurt himself out of pride.
    morganknight: (a little somber)

    [personal profile] morganknight 2021-09-29 01:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    These were the worst moments.

    Someone he cares about was hurting, and he could do nothing himself to alleviate it. He held her, let her work it out of her system, and did what he could to share her burden, and rationally he knew that was all he could do. But it sucked. He wanted to do more. Make it better. Make the pain stop.

    For all that he was better, these days, than he once had been, this was still one place where he had a lot to learn.

    "I'm glad you care," he finally murmured.
    Edited (someone told me, "this tag would be better without u") 2021-09-29 14:09 (UTC)
    flapsin: (ummm)

    [personal profile] flapsin 2021-09-29 02:16 pm (UTC)(link)
    Darkwing would soon regret meeting that particular guy!

    "Oh, okay. I mean, fair. To each their own! But, you know. Metaphorical masks!"
    ichoosefight: (how freakin' awkward is THIS?)

    [personal profile] ichoosefight 2021-09-29 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    Steph takes another big gulp from the flask and hands it back. She makes a face again, but doesn't shudder this time. The first two gulps are starting to hit, and a wave of exhaustion washes over her.

    "I've been wallowing for the last year. I told myself leaving Batgirl behind was what I wanted, but really I've just been running away. When did I get so pathetic?"
    sighsheavily: (pic#14281461)

    [personal profile] sighsheavily 2021-09-29 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
    I'm not a zoologist, I wouldn't know. [she doesn't interact with barnyard animals enough to know whether or not this is regular behavior.

    after flicking a globule of water off to the side:]
    While your beast is fielding them, come on inside. We're just idle targets.

    [whether she agrees or not, Cecelia's going into her office.]
    ichoosefight: (pout)

    murumuru

    [personal profile] ichoosefight 2021-09-29 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    She cries herself out, nearly falling asleep on his shoulder. When he speaks again she sniffles and rubs her face on one arm. At least she didn't get his shirt too wet. God, but her head hurts now.

    "You too," she answers, tight throat making her voice squeak. She turns her head to rest against his chest, giving herself a little more room to breathe. She sniffles again.

    "I need to restock. My magic's tapped out and I don't know when it'll be back." She raises a hand to demonstrate, producing a single spark of light that flickers out immediately.
    sighsheavily: (pic#14667797)

    [personal profile] sighsheavily 2021-09-29 04:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    [at here, Cecelia lets go, needing only a second to stabilize on her feet. she draws a deep, bracing breath as she scans the area around her, her familiar flickering back into form, glimmering in anticipation of supporting her intentions.]

    First layer...

    [she needs a strong foundation. she reaches out to the land ahead of her, and topsoil shudders as giant, invisible fingers crack into the firmer sediment below. as she gestures the form she wants, stone rumbles and rolls up and over the length of the bridge - an impromptu covered bridge.

    while that's happening, Cecelia trudges out of the mouth of the bridge and turns to face it, shuddering and exhaling once the stone has settled.]


    Second...

    [another couple breaths, and then she and her familiar set their focus on conjuring water. she has no intention of taming or drying the river; her own source is far better.

    she blows a crisp, freezing wind along with it, draping the stone in a canopy of ice. she strongly doubts such a thing can withstand dragonfire, but then, neither can a singular rock formation, right? so--]


    And...third...

    [more stone. it won't be a permanent fixture, but it could buy time for those evacuating - a temporary reprieve. maybe one, two blasts of fire before its undone and she must clear it? maybe.

    she huffs, sagging.]


    D...Decent...
    beefaroni: (Default)

    [personal profile] beefaroni 2021-09-29 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
    "It is fine."

    THE HONK BRIGADE IS HERE. They surround him, honking away, even trying to nip him. He just shrugs it off.
    mycrosstobear: (61)

    [personal profile] mycrosstobear 2021-09-29 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He gives a small "hah." They absolutely would. Most of the people here don't seem to have any concept of the scale of what their magic effects.

    Struggled? Not exactly. It's a matter of practice like anything else. He's certainly struggled to trust it, though. It's not that different from the nanites, and that comes with the potential for it to go wrong because of something or someone. And magic is so unpredictable.
    ]

    It's something you gotta be careful with, right? Whether you like it or not.

    [He does, in the end, have long experience with using something he's been saddled with.]
    beefaroni: (Caged He By The Corpses)

    [personal profile] beefaroni 2021-09-29 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
    "I can try." No guarantees, Asterios slows down, trying to factor in what they can do. "My axe...?"
    morganknight: (thinking)

    umumurumuru

    [personal profile] morganknight 2021-09-29 05:46 pm (UTC)(link)
    "I've still got a little in the tank." Morgan was pretty strong and pretty quick, but sheer endurance was where he truly shined. Times like this left him grateful for that, when he really had to go all-out for such long periods that anything less would leave him exhausted and immobile. "Plus it's not like I even touched my Bargaining. Guess that's coming in once we need to take care of everyone longer term."
    troubadamsel: (You Can Do It!)

    [personal profile] troubadamsel 2021-09-29 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ nooo, working is for commoners!!! ]

    Sounds... reasonable...