EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

[avalonmods]

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Autumn, despite the chillier weather, is a season of warmth and gathering. Perhaps moreso this year than normal, given the rather unplanned gathering of Celliwig and Lestari underneath Camelot's roofs. Though significant contributions from otherworlders have made food, shelter, clothes and other productions and donations, medical care, security and protection, and childcare an amazing group effort, typical individual celebrations for the departure of the dead from Avalon aren't being held, like Lestari's Death Ball. After looking at all the support they've been given, Lestari and Celliwig have looked at what they have to offer to help both their own people and the people of Camelot and other worlds.

The people of Lestari excel in cognitive magic, and while there are those who use it for mind-altering magics, there is a good portion who dedicate their studies to emotional and psychological support. One such method is the enchantment of origami paper into something affectionately called Worry Monsters: an specialized counseling technique used to help form support bonds between people with negative emotions. Having spent a portion of the month enchanting paper, two square sheets of paper are handed out to anyone the encounter. The first paper says: "Personifying your emotions can give them a tangible form and make them easier to face. Write down something that causes you worry, stress, fear, or sadness. This is your Worry Monster." The second paper says: "When your Worry Monster is present, how does it make you feel? Any reaction is valid."
When both papers are written on, the writing on both will disappear as if absorbed by the paper, then the pages will animate and fuse, then begin to fold into a monster! Halloween is this month, is it not? There is no sense in not having a little fun. These little Worry Monsters will stomp off and begin roaming Camelot until they find a match-- someone who shares those feelings. Once they find an emotional matching Worry Monster, the monsters will return to their creator and grow to the size of kaiju. They are very light, enchanted paper, so even if someone or something gets stepped on, they won't be hurt or damaged. However, they are strong enough to pick their makers up and carry them to the matching monster who will do the same. Don't worry-- characters will be invisible while being carried by their monster, so their identities will be protected until they are brought to their match. The paper monster will turn to butterflies and fly away once their task is complete. What matches do after they are brought to each other is up to them-- but they will know, undoubtedly, that they share the same worries-- they are with someone who understands. Do it as many times as you'd like, for as many negative emotions as your character wants. For finding something to do, Celliwig offers a solution. While Lestari's people have spent their efforts this month enchanting papers, the people of Celliwig are less apt to share so openly. Instead, they take their time learning about a variety of holidays from other worlds, and come to find one they can apply their particular talents to. While most of their showcase in the past has been on light magic, a holiday such as Halloween plays in particular to their talents in dark magic. A number of locations that have opted in and won't interfere with other relief efforts have been enchanted with dark magics for brave souls to venture into and test their courage! What's more, each of these locations will yield tokens for the victors that can be used to gain prizes. All courage tests must be performed with partners. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
	The library has been converted into a haunted art gallery, many of which have had their paints and other implements enchanted. Some paintings will seem like they're watching you, others will seem like a small figure in the background is following you throughout the library in different paintings. A painting of fruit may start throwing the fruit at you and materializing it into real fruit, so you may find yourself pelted with tomatoes if you don't run fast! A single painting filled with black paint might start leaking and filling the room you're in, pulling you into shadow until you're stuck in the library's underground labyrinth. (Reference monthly quests here and here for more info about the labyrinth.)
There are a variety of paintings with different curses applied. Navigate through the library and escape the haunted paintings-- pairs who make it through without turning back will gain a Celliwig Token.
Another token can be gained via scavenger hunt in the Broceliande. Find cursed dolls from within tree hollows. The dolls will giggle and try to run away, may move when they're only visible in the corner of your eye if you set them down. What's perhaps a little spookier is that they take on the appearance of the first person to touch them, though they will never exceed three inches in height. Beware during your search, however, as there are a good many trees that have been transfigured into mimics. Though the mimics are not going to attack anyone, they do have giant hidden, wriggling tongues that will reach up and wrap the unalert up above the ground for capture. The only way down is if a partner fights the mimic, so don't go alone! Find a doll of both you and a partner and make it back to Camelot to obtain your token. The curse will break once they're exchanged for a token, so you can keep the cute little doll for yourself if you'd like.

The last test of courage invokes a temporary blindness hex on one of the partners. Both partners are walked into a soundproofed room, entirely silent in a way that truly seems to mess with one's head. The unblinded partner is only allowed to answer "yes" or "no" questions, though no one will fault them for giggling as long as they give no clues otherwise. The blind partner is to stick their hands into a tank of water with mystery items hidden within. These items may be mere objects like peeled grapes in soggy noodles, or perhaps the tank is filled with chicken bones and those tiny garra that eat dead cells and are sometimes used for pedicures. All the items are set up to feel spooky, but ultimately are unharmful. As long as the partner who can give clues doesn't break the yes/no rules and the item is guessed within 3 guesses, a token will be rewarded!

Bring tokens to the inn where a stall has been set up, with Gwion working the booth to exchange tokens for the following prizes: 1 Token: Celliwig glasswork glass set of 4-- spooky themed! It's filled with candy upon receiving, so they are friendly for everyone. 2 Tokens: Recipe: Smokescreen - Cast this spell on any liquid to make it billow plumes of fog. The smaller the water surface, the smaller the billow. A shot glass might just create a small whisp, but two mop buckets would be enough to fill up a medium room. Will not effect the contents of the liquid. Cannot be used on water bodies larger than a swimming pool (could screen about half a block). 3 Tokens: Recipe: From the Void - Summons a disembodied tentacle from the shadows. It takes a lot of energy, so you could probably manage up to three casts a day at most before becoming exhausted. Great for binding enemies, sneaking in small spaces, and reaching places you might not be able to otherwise. The tentacle will follow whatever command you have in mind upon summoning, so be sure to concentrate on the task at hand!

Comments

it was a perfect tag, I wouldn't have changed a thing

[eightfoldfiend]

You and the rest of those stinking stars are never just looking.

[Yuber balances the flat of the Runeblade against his shoulder and prowls closer to Nash.]

What were you hoping to see, hmm?

i've passed your compliments to the cat

[latkje]

[ Stars, huh? So Yuber believed in that tablet stuff. ]

I always liked the sunset. [ He puts one foot behind the other as Yuber approaches, but doesn't turn. ] That's a new look.

[ Nash knows perfectly well it was the old one, but he wonders: why the change? ]

[eightfoldfiend]

New look?

[He glances around for a moment before it finally occurs to him that Nash is referring to the armor.]

This is my old battle regalia. I wore it for centuries before Silverberg asked me to climb into that suit.

[Yuber looks down at the bladed claws of his gauntlet and his wide mouth pinches into a pensive frown.]

It is impressive armor, isn't it?

[latkje]

Sure, if you go in for that whole thing. [ Nash is on the record as preferring out-of-armor looks. ] I could never carry the knight bit off, though.

[ Ironic that this place brought him here. He tilts his head. Does Yuber need to be assured about his choice of always-black clothing? ]

The armor does add to the ambiance.

[eightfoldfiend]

Yes.

[He lowers the gauntlet again. From beneath the visor he watches Nash closely and with palpable curiosity.]

But I doubt you came all this way just to discuss my choice in attire.

Actually, I think you are here to keep tabs on me; making sure I am not bathing in the blood of the innocent or whatever it is you humans think I do all day.

[latkje]

[ That's the gist, Yuber. Nash wonders if he's figured out they've been tailing him. But— ]

If I came all the way out here to keep tabs on you, I would've planned the stakeout better.

[ Yuber's eyes are always covered, making it more difficult to read his face, to anticipate when he's about to strike. He tries to keep his own expression level in turn. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

Hm, then...

[His lips twitch into an unpleasant grin.]

Have you come here to play with me?

[Despite the taunt his stance remains completely still, he makes no move to attack.]

[latkje]

You know I'm retired from the swordfighting business, right?

[ It's mostly true. Nash definitely doesn't have any swords on him. He should probably run away. But— and this is how things usually start to go south, but nevertheless— he keeps talking. ]

But maybe you wouldn't understand that.

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber tips his head to one side in a bird-like movement.]

Hm. No, I don't know why any warrior would turn his back on fighting.

Lives full of peace and order are so boring.

But you humans seem fond of them.

[latkje]

I wouldn't know anything about that. [ Peace and order? At present, Nash is: still living in an alternate universe, talking to a demon, and having to cope with the advent of social media. ]

But swords always end up the same way. And I hate to be predictable.

[eightfoldfiend]

Swords are only as predictable as the ones who wield them.

[Yuber steps back and vanishes in the lengthening shadows.

A heartbeat later he's immediately behind Nash and swinging downward with the Runeblade. Whether Nash dodges or not, the blade will not hit him. Yuber drives the sword tip first into the earth and leans upon the pommel stone, his features arching into a reptilian grin beneath his visor.

He wants to pull the weapon from the dirt and attack so badly his body aches...

But if he is to honor the pact he'd made with Geddoe and the little Silverberg he has to keep himself under control. He can only fight the Fire Bringer and their friends if they strike first... Yuber sees no problem with goading them until this happens.]

[latkje]

[ Nash steps back, wincing— not quick enough he thinks. He expects the blade to strike him.

But it doesn't. Instead it's standing in the dirt, with Yuber leaning over the sword, grinning something otherworldly.

Huh.

His instinct tells him to bolt, but maybe something else is going on here. He takes a step forward, closer to Yuber, hand on the hilt of his dagger, but weapons undrawn. Is the demon going to strike? ]

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber's grin widens when he sees Nash reach for his dagger.]

What's the matter? Are you going to attack me? Do it!

[He leans back, gauntlets still folded over the pommel stone. His expression is manic yet inviting.]

Go ahead. I'll even let you move first.

[latkje]

[ Nash twists his ankle in and puts a hand to his sleeve, ready to strike.

But he doesn't. ]

You're trying to goad me into it.

[ He shakes his head once, almost disbelieving. That doesn't make sense. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber clicks his tongue.

This one had always been observant. Almost annoyingly so.]

So what if I am?

[latkje]

That's the question, isn't it?

[ Nash holds himself steady— Yuber could attack at any moment, even if it doesn't seem like he's going to. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber looks up at the night sky and sighs.

For a quiet moment he watches the stars hang in the firmament. The sight has no beauty to him.

All he sees is the ordering force of the cosmos. It makes his sides itch.

Someday he will have to--

Oh, the little human had asked something.]

Hm?

Mm...

Yes, I'm goading you. I'm bored.

[He won't mention why he refuses to attack first. Not just yet anyway.]

Are you scared?

Don't be. When I kill you I'll be sure to make it quick. You won't feel any pain.

[latkje]

[ Terrific. This is going terrific. ]

That's too bad, actually.

[ Just keep talking. That will somehow coax information out of the immortal battle monster, who for some reason hasn't attacked you yet. ]

I've always wanted to go out with feeling you know?

[ Sarcasm is a great defense mechanism and has never failed Nash in the past. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

[Beneath the visor the snake-like grin returns and his scarlet eye, barely visible in the shadows, sparkles with excitement.]

You will feel fear. You will die screaming in terror.

But it won't hurt. You won't have the time to hurt...

[latkje]

[ Nash's fingers tense and he balls his hand into a fist. But he's not close to drawing a weapon— he's trying to prep an exit strategy.

Because he's about to say something that he admits is possibly really stupid. ]

What's stopping you, then?

[ To his credit, he keeps his voice level. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

[His broad shoulders rise up in a lazy shrug.]

I promised a troublesome thunderbug that I wouldn't satisfy my cravings with people who might be missed.

But if I kill in defense, well...

[Asking someone to attack him is not the same as killing in self defense but he doesn't quite see the difference.]

[latkje]

[ Geddoe? Hmmm. That's interesting. ]

Extremely sporting of you. [ Nash does see the difference between attacking and self-defense. ]

But I'm not going to attack you, at least not today.

[ One straight turn deserves another, he supposes. ]