isleofavalon | EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Crow will only accept comments praising his guitar, okay? Either way, Ritsuka can't tease him about it now, because it's saving their asses!

He peers down the hallway, but he doesn't see where they could have made a wrong turn. It's just a long hallway going in one direction, there's no way they could miss an exit right in front of their faces. He frowns as his tail sways lowly above the floor.]

Maybe my magic can pick up where the loop begins. There could be some kind of enchantment in the room that keeps us going around in circles. So keep your eyes on the walls.

[At the offer of her name, the rocker does the same.]

Oh yeah, the name's Crow.

[Usually, he'll do his spiel about being the crimson angel of the apocalypse, but it doesn't seem appropriate at the moment.]

[ He can go on about it when they're out of here. Ritsuka is usually only a so-so audience to that sort of thing, but he's earned it. She sticks close to him, eyeing the walls. ]

I'd say "nice to meet you," but let's just call this in need of a do-over. When we get out of here, I'll treat you to lunch.

[ In true fate/protagonist fashion, food is the best way to bond, in Ritsuka's mind. Not so much when it's being thrown at you, but eating it? Absolutely.

That said, she takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders and nodding. ]

Okay. Let's try walking. You keep playing, and I'll keep watch.

You had me at lunch!

[Ritsuka is speaking to his very soul, right now! He loves food too! And bonding over food is one of his favorite pastimes! Now that he has something to look forward to, he's even more determined to get out of here.

He steps forwards, strumming his guitar to keep his dark magic flowing. It spreads down the hallway, overlaying the walls like a dark veil. Nothing seems out of the ordinary at first glance, but if they look closely, his dark magic makes obvious a small rift in the wall not too far from them. Upon closer inspection Crow's spell outlines a light that frames the corridor.]

--There! Over there!

[ She hisses it; she doesn't actually know how important the music is to the way the magic works. She knows a couple of people where it matters, and right now, especially, she doesn't want to wreck things. Lunch is waiting for them.

But she does point, and without thinking about it, she grabs the hem of his shirt to tug a little. (What happened to not wanting to disrupt his music? Don't worry about it.) ]

There's definitely something fishy about the wall over there... can you direct a blast or something at it?

[ This is something that a vase is probably not going to help with. ]

[He stops when Ritsuka yells something out. At first, he doesn't see what she does, but she becomes even more insistent. Tugging at his shirt and points in the direction of what she sees. Finally, he sees the illuminated outline. Is this where the loop starts?]

I can try to see if I can dispel...whatever it is.

[ Instead of taking on a defensive stance, he's all offensive. He takes his guitar off of his shoulder and imbues it with his dark magic. He aims for that fissure on the wall and widely swings down to pierce through the magic. At first, he faces some resistance as the blade of his guitar hits something, but it can't cleanly cut through it. It feels like a powerful spell.]

Damn, it's stubborn!

[ The paintings on the walls seem to react. The frames shudder as if threatening to come off the walls. Some portraits are even spinning wildly around in circles. The whole corridor rumbles from the impact. Something is definitely happening!]

You're definitely onto something! Don't get up yet!

[ One of the paintings manages to shake itself straight off the wall, the frame cracking when it hits the ground on its point. She doesn't jump, but she does take a step back, looking around the gallery. This part, at least, feels a little more familiar and comfortable: a hostile situation, with multiple things that want to attack, if not necessarily kill them.

(But also, not necessarily not want to. She doesn't actually trust that these things just want to scare them and nothing else.)

One of the paintings stretches a too-long arm out of the canvas, making a grab for Crow's back. Whether it wants to drag him in or just stop him, Ritsuka responds without really thinking: she darts over to the painting, yanking it off the wall and then just tossing it down the hallway, as hard as she can. It's too heavy to go far in the air, but it does slide further away when it hits the ground. ]

--also, no pressure, but I think the sooner you get through, the better!

[Crow doesn't see the arm stretching towards him, but at least Ritsuka has his back! He tries to force all his strength into slashing this spell, but it's harder than it looks. The girl's urging doesn't help either.]

I know, I know!

[The hedgehog grumbles as he grunts putting all of his strength into finishing up the job. Finally, the magic gives, yielding under the blade of his magically enhanced guitar. Once the spell breaks, it sends a pulse throughout the gallery that knocks Crow off his feet. The surge sweeps over the corridor and sets all the paintings right. The gallery is just as immaculate as it was when they first walked in. It almost seems as if nothing had happened. There's not a broken bottle, shattered vase, big-nosed giant, or smashed fruit in sight.

He sits up from the spot he lands on, looking around warily before turning towards Ritsuka.]

...You think it's safe now?

...?

[ There's a couple of seconds where Ritsuka just lies there, blinking up at the ceiling. The sudden quiet and stillness is jarring after the frantic chaos of seconds before, and in its own way it's just as creepy--if not even creepier. Something about the silence could get under her skin really fast.

But finally she sits up, a bit wild- and wide-eyed as she looks around. ]

P...robably? I think?

[ This is probably not a great time to be cocky. Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble? As creepy as the silence is now, it's preferable to being trapped in a hostile gallery forever. ]

Wanna try getting out of here and find out?

[ The silence is a bit unnerving, but maybe that's because of all the excitement they've been through. Crow slowly rises to his feet, looking on either side of him as if he's expecting something to come flying at him. Though nothing happens. The paintings on the wall don't even budge. Nothing seems out of the ordinary within those frames either. Could things be back to normal now?

He walks over to Ritsuka and offers her a hand up. Getting out of here seems like a great idea.]

Y-yeah...let's go.

[The musician starts heading for the exit. Body still on high alert and his eyes darting from wall to wall to catch anything suspicious. Crow keeps his guitar close to him in case, he needs to whip it out and use it again.]

[ She takes his hand automatically, getting to her feet. If she's a bit wobbly, then she's allowed. The whole thing probably didn't take longer than half an hour, but it feels a little like it's been all day.

And if she sticks a little closer to Crow than she would normally, when walking with someone... that's probably fair too, right? If they have to band together again, it's better for them to stick together. She also holds her breath a little, only letting it out once they're actually outside.

After a couple of seconds just waiting to see if another shoe might drop, she throws her hands up into the air and says, in the most deadpan tone possible: ]

We made it. Yayyyy.

[Crow finally releases the breath he's been holding once they leave the gallery. There's a part of him, who still expects something to happen, but hearing Ritsuka's response makes him relax. They made it! He especially had to keep it together in front of the girl, even as he wants to hightail out of there.]

Yes! We made a good team!

[He smiles at her. As a reward for their completion of the test of courage, a token dangles in front of each of them. Crow grabs his looking forward to getting closer to that smokescreen spell. Though, there is something on his mind.]

Although, what the heck happened back there? You didn't use your magic at all!

[Not that Crow has any problem being the main character, but he did find it odd. It may have been possible that Ritsuka didn't have a magical discipline that could have been beneficial in that situation.]

Yeah, about that...

[ She shrugs, exaggerated, though her gaze slides off to the side, so she isn't looking him quite in the eye. Haha, about that! ]

I'm not... actually really sure what kind of magic I've got. It's been a weird thing to think about, okay? It's not like it didn't exist in my world, but...

[ But. Well. Ritsuka waves a hand in what she hopes is an airy gesture, but is really more sheepish than anything. ]

It's actually kind of a meme, how much I don't have? So I always just default to what I can do physically, instead.

HUH?!

[ Crow listens to Ritsuka. She doesn't know her magic? Has she even tried to figure it out? It almost seems she's fine just not using magic at all. The reasoning is valid, but Crow still can't wrap his brain around it. If you have magic, why not use it?

He had a form of magic back in his world, so this situation isn't too out of the ordinary for him. Though if he had a choice to have magic or be without, he'd definitely choose the former!]

Did you hit your head on the way to Avalon?!

[Clearly that's the only logical reason why she would refuse to use magic.]

You're missing out! I mean there's nothing wrong with using your own strength, but what happens when you're in a bind like back there?

I do my best to figure it out on the spot!

[ The yelling doesn't really bother her. Right now, there's nothing that can faze her, especially after the escape they've just made. ]

I've made it through worse with less. You just learn to be flexible--the vase thing worked, right?

[ Maybe not as much in terms of getting them out, but it had kept the giant creeping face from getting any weirder ideas, and she'll count that as a win. And all things considered, she feels more confident in that than any sort of magic she may or may not have.

(In the back of her mind, she still suspects she has none. Either way, it's not so important to her that she's felt the potential loss.) ]

Even with magic, there's usually a simpler solution. You've just gotta find it.

[ Crow just stares at Ritsuka. Everything she's saying isn't wrong. There is probably a solution even without the use of magic. The absence of her magic has been working for her, so it's her choice, but he still doesn't get the resistance.]

Well, you must be smart or accustomed to using your head in difficult situations. That's not a bad skill to have. Though your way just sounds like too much work, music takes up most of my brain cells, I'd like to keep it like that!

[Although he endeavors to be a knight in Avalon and has done a few quests to increase his combat prowess, he can see how the different fights made you think faster on your feet. Even taking stock of how to utilize certain inventory and abilities one possesses outside of magic. Though would he stop using his magic, because he became a better fighter? Hell no!]

Whatever, do you! If it's not broken, no need to fix it, right? Though I know there's one thing magic can't fix...and that's an empty stomach! Let's find lunch!

[After being scared to death in the art gallery, he's worked up an appetite.]

Let's!!

[ She perks up immediately at the suggestion. Whoever has the right idea of using their magic or not, they can both agree on the importance of food. And while Ritsuka has no animal features like Crow does, it's not difficult to imagine a furiously-wagging tail. ]

--And I mean, it makes sense. I've known a few musicians! They take their work really seriously... I bet if they had the option, they'd just devote all their brainpower to that. Me, I was definitely more of a jock when I was in school. Thinking on my feet is just more of what I'm used to.

[ And also the reason that she thought that chucking a vase at a weird painting was the best thing to do. ]

So you're more on the athletic side, huh? Nothing wrong with that!

[So it does make sense how Ritsuka knows how to think on her feet. With sports or anything similar, you had to be able to make quick decisions, it's the type of stuff that wins games.]

What were you thinking for lunch? Have you had the meat pies here? They're pretty good!

[With the scare-fest they've been through, they need something to build back their energy. So something with lots of carbs and protein seems like a good idea.]

I've had some meat pies, but that was only one place. I'm always willing to eat more.

[ At least in Avalon, she doesn't have to worry about one of the few points where magic did affect her life: she's no longer the focal point for multiple summons! She no longer has to eat to have enough energy both for herself and for everyone around her.

...But also, she's just a big fan of food in general. There's a bounce in her step now. ]

In fact, let's just stuff ourselves. My treat, okay?

Well, my place is better! The meat is definitely juicier and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! This place has the best crust too!

[ Crow brags a little. He's a bit of a foodie himself, and he's had enough time in Avalon to figure out where the best eats are. So he takes pride in sharing his favorite places with other people!

Though when Ritsuka offers to pay at first Crow feels weird about it. However, he reasons that it's compensation for all the magic he had to use back there, so it's a fair trade.]

Deal! Guess we have to do more missions together, if you're gonna be so generous!

[ He's joking, of course. But he wouldn't rule out doing another adventure with her.]

Yeah? If you're gonna talk like that about the food, you're also gonna have to prove it.

[ She's grinning as she says it, folding her arms behind her back as she walks alongside him. He'll have to lead the way, but now that they're out in the open sunshine, she feels significantly better. It's easier to tease when you're not worried about some weird shadow monster reaching out to grab you and drag you into who knows where. ]

I always believe in bonding over food, though. And when you survive something weird, the best thing to do is stuff your face. Money isn't as important.

Believe me, you'll be singing praises afterward!

[He's happy to lead the way, especially since this is one of the few places he can easily find in Avalon without getting lost. Luckily, the art gallery isn't too far away from it, and Crow navigates the streets like a pro. There's a certain pep in his step as well as they walk towards the shop. Maybe it's the anticipation of food, or finally leaving that scary place behind that makes him more at ease.

He nods, agreeing with Ritsuka about bonding over food.]

It's one of my favorite things to do with my band! After any show or battle of the bands, we always go out to eat! It helps us build morale! If we lost, which happens very rarely, defeat doesn't hurt so bad when your stomach is full. Did you also do with your friends back home?

Pretty often, honestly.

[ She's beaming as she says it, relaxing the further they get away from the gallery--it's not just the freedom, it's the promise of food! There's no really graceful way to explain her unique situation, and how much food had been necessary to compensate for her inherent lack of any kind of magical energy, but she can keep leaning into the concept of bonding over food. If it had other benefits beyond that, isn't that also good? ]

Usually after a-- [ don't call them battles, or missions, or anything like that, Ritsuka! You told him you were a jock, and you were in the volleyball club, remember that-- ] match, we'd always celebrate with food after. I know some really talented cooks, back home.

That's cool!

[He doesn't notice the hesitation from Ritsuka, and he has no reason to question the answers she gave him. Even if she did mention battles or missions, Crow wouldn't have batted an eye, probably because he's so used to Avalon at this point.]

The only good cook I knew back home was my managers' assistant, Angelika. And of course, my mom's cooking! Midi City has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and food isn't expensive!

[Speaking of food, they finally arrived at Crow's place. It's a little hole-in-the-wall, so it can be easily missed if you happen to be in a hurry. However, the amazing smell wafting from the kitchen will stop anyone in their tracks. The hedgehog boy walks in and grabs two seats for them at the counter.]

Hey, Tobias! I brought a friend!

[Crow slides a small menu over to Ritsuka, there aren't many items on the menu, but there's really no need.]

I recommend the steak and potatoes minced pie with a side of mashed peas!

Done and done! I'll trust your judgment here, so if you steer me wrong, we'll just have to fight about it later.

[ It's a playful jab. She's grinning as she says it, knocking her ankle against Crow's in a thoughtless bit of friendly roughhousing. It's definitely more of the sort of thing she would have done with her school friends, once upon a time... there's something nice about feeling like she can relate to someone on a personal level. They're bonding over food right now, but he's not some sort of grand untouchable historical figure. Maybe he's famous in his own world, maybe he's not. She doesn't know--but right now, he's a guy roughly around her age, and he's easy to talk to. That counts for a lot. ]

I'm a great eater, but not really a great cook. I'm more than happy to act as a taste-tester, but I couldn't tell you how to actually make the stuff... if you ask me, cooks are already mages, without any "real" magic.

Okay, Tobias, two of the specials! And hey! Not likely! You'll like this so much, you'll be begging me for more recommendations!

[ Crow is pretty confident in his claim. He doesn't mind the "roughhousing", the knock to his ankle is pretty tame from what he normally gets from his bandmates. The myumon laughs it off. He's not famous. At least, not as famous as who Ritsuka is used to dealing with. He's probably almost famous, not nearly a household name but he certainly has a growing fanbase. Though Crow is pretty ordinary besides the ears and tail.

Yet, he enjoys this very down-to-earth conversation. You'd be surprised how many people are so shy about eating and talking about how much they like food. It's nice to speak with someone who gets it!]

Yeah, I'm not that good of a cook either, so that's why I tend to eat out a lot, especially back home. I can make a few things...cup of noodles...pasta... scrambled eggs and toast, but that's about it.

[He counts those items out on his hand. Crow's hedgehog ears droop, seeing that it's not even a handful of things.]

Someone was supposed to teach me how to make curry here, but they left before they could. It would've been great! I could've had curry every night by now! Though I agree the real mages are those who can whip up stuff in the kitchen! But being a taste-tester is a noble undertaking, I mean--who else will eat all that food?!

EVENT ✨ Something (Celli)Wigged This Way Comes

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I'm so sorry! I lost this tag somehow!

it happens! I've been busy offline, lol

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