EVENT ✨ The Answer is Always C

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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. A poll to collect results of the trials will be posted this weekend and stay open until the end of the month to give people a little time to see how their threads are going.

KEY POINTS

Arthur announces the results of the polls and that he spoke to Celliwig's people, they will be testing Camelot the week of the full moon.

A series of choice-based enchanted scenarios is presented based loosely on a modernized seven sins/virtuous responses (power imbalance, cruelty or mercy, excess/greed or restraint, sloth or work ethic, desire/lust or self-control and bravery or cowardice, and sacrifice or self-preservation)

With the polls closed, the decision is made, and King Arthur takes the opportunity to address the kingdom via a streamed press conference. Though it is not an open post, anyone is welcome to comment on it and talk to each other about it. However, it is unlikely that Arthur himself will respond to comments. A notification does appear on everyone's smart devices to invite everyone to watch live; if they tap it too late, it'll still show the recorded stream. "People of Camelot, I wish that we had better news that spoke of an easier path to the calamity that stands before us. Celliwig's charge is with protecting Avalon even in the face of protecting Camelot and those of you who chose to use your voices have shown that you choose to respect their way of handling things. However, it was only just over half of you who chose this path. I think it is important that with such a great portion of people believing that bypassing Celliwig and going directly to Elphame, as much as it may take patience, we take this action into consideration. There is no sense in ignoring the voices of so many when there is nothing to say we cannot approach from two fronts. As Camelot's king, I have issued our intent to accept Celliwig's challenge to a descendant of Glewlwyd, a man who was much trouble for my knights in our time. They have said after failing one, we shall be tested on multiple fronts, the week of the full moon's rise. Bear in mind that this is our final chance at this." Merlin sidles up to Arthur in the video, one arm around his shoulders and leaning in to speak into the mics in a much-too-familiar manner. At least his sunglasses are off this time. "Now then, anyone who wanted to go to Elphame, you'll want to head to the docks around, oh, say, the first of June. Step one to flirting with fae is to put on a good show before the traders leave. It's a good time whether the Celliwig's dooming us or not." A wink accompanies that odd note, and Arthur orders him off stage before thanking everyone for their time. With the consent of its people, Celliwig performs a ritual to place Camelot under a rather strange spell. Much is the same, but there's a sense that everything is just slightly off from what it should be. Fog covers the grounds throughout the entire city throughout the entire day. It's just a little too quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the city falling just a little too distant on your ears. You can go about your day as normal, but feel as if something is simply off. And eventually, you'll walk through a door, and it will be. Part of the enchantment, however, includes a strange inability to connect these doors with being part of a test-- they seem real, regardless of how absurd the scenario would be were your characters thinking straight. Day One: Power Imbalance The door you walk through is into a club of some kind. It wasn't your intended destination and yet, here you are, and you're being handed a glass of your favorite drink and being ushered to your seat. The show is fantastical, some kind of circus-esque show with gymnasts and magical effects making it impossible to take your eyes off of. That is, until the spotlight falls upon you and urges you down to join the show. A volunteer! Well, one of two. Another volunteer is brought up along with yours, and the ring leader of the circus gives you both bracelets-- one with selenite embedded in it, another with andara. The ring leader explains that they're both known for creating high frequency connections, though one is known to spiritually be associated with finding one's path and the other with manifesting one's true self. When enchanted together, this makes it so that the person with the andara bracelet can order the person with the selenite bracelet to do anything they please-- making their true self the person's purpose. Very dangerous, very intruiging, very tempting, very morally wrong to do it for real, so please keep it to the stage! A quick demonstration of this dark use of magic as part of the show... and it seems that afterward, they forget to take the bracelets back. What will you do with your newfound control over your partner? The choice is, after all, yours. (Or theirs, if you're the unlucky partner with the selenite bracelet-- only the person with the andara can remove the bracelets, after all.) Day Two: Schadenfreude Yesterday seems like a dream, and you may even feel the need to write it off as such unless you run into the same person again and realize no, they too remember it. But if that's not the case, it doesn't matter. You'll be able to find yourself in your definitely normal and usual mideval city, where someone is in the stocks. Your memories seem a little fuzzy on whether or not you're supposed to be in medieval times or not, but this seems right, and there's a fruit vendor right next to you selling soft fruits to throw at the poor sap in the stocks. There are also a number of other ways to mess with the person, including feathers to tickle them, a riding crop, some ink if you want to grafitti the person.. a good number of ways just to humiliate the person without causing them permanent harm. The crowd is cheering you on, but you also see the keys to set them out just sitting on a table nearby. Do you engage in a little sadistic fun or do you embark in a daring rescue? (Or are you the punished in someone else's scenario?) Day Three: Indulge Me Back to the modern day like it didn't happen, you and a friend walk into a door to your favorite convenience store and as you finish up your purchase, you win an all expenses paid trip to the Black Knight's Castle, formerly the home of the Black Knight and turned into a lavish tourist attraction by Yvaine and Laudine's descendents, who have become worshippers of Dionysus. You're transported there in a puff of sparkling magic dust, right before an extravagant golden fountain in the middle of the lobby. The owners explain their policy for the Black Knight's Castle that you can have anything you desire, however much you desire. Anything at all, consequence free. The only thing that they ask is that you give a blood offering to their god to help feed his dead worshippers on the other side of the veil, which will ultimately tie your soul to him as well. Just a quick cut of the palm and you're welcome to come back any time, have anything you want, for the rest of your life. Taking the deal means you really will get what you want! ...For the day, anyway. (This is just a spell, after all, even if your character doesn't want it.) If you choose not to, you'll find yourself magically deposited back to the convenience store. Day Four: What's the Meaning of Stongehenge? This fourth day, there's certainly something to be said about a hard day's work. When you walk through today's door, you find yourself in the middle of a grassy field, strange markings on the ground, and surrounded by oddly shaped boulders. The markings on the ground seem to indicate where some the stones should be placed. There aren't really any directions, but there's always the option of waiting for someone else to solve this problem for you... There is a very comfortable looking patch of grass anyone able to relax in. So the choice is yours: wait for someone else to move the rocks or move them yourself? Day Five: Pooling Desire Day five is a trip to the pools. But not just any pools! These are special, underground pools hidden deep within a cave. You're sure whoever told you to head through this door mentioned something about them being a special relaxation package at the Red Springs. As you head into the pools, however, you find someone in there with you: the subject of your desires. Regardless of who or what they are, they seem to have a crown upon their head, aren't wearing anything in that water, and seem to have a lovely singing voice judging by the tune they're humming to lure you in before you even notice they're there. It is at that point they will try to seduce you, even if that same person is standing right there with you. The seduction, of course, needn't be sexual-- a strong lusting for a turkey leg wrapped in bacon may be just as powerful as a desire for a brand new Ninblendo Swatch or something you should definitely label as NSFW if you want to thread it that way. Give into them, or.. maybe listen to the person who came in with you that they're definitely some kind of weird half-otter bottomed monster under the water before they try to drown you. Or if you're the one trying to stop this, are you brave enough to get in between a stranger and a monster to try to snap them out of the siren's thrall, even if it means fighting both of them? Day Six: #ChaliceChallenge The sixth and final door sets you walking outside on a beach. There's nothing else there really except for nature. The sounds of the waves crashing against the sound is soothing, and real, and sharper than anything you've felt in the last five days of haze. There is no fog today. Clear, blue skies stretch forever above you, not a cloud in sight. The only man-made thing you see is a small woode table and two chairs. Upon that table, two chalices. Nothing will happen and there seems to be no way off of the beach until both parties sit down at the table, at which point a strange old man with huge, rippling muscles of at least 7 feet tall and a long, scraggly beard will appear. He informs your characters of the rules: in one chalice, deadly poison. In the other, water and bitter flavor. Each must drink from one cup, or you will both perish of starvation on this beach. Choose wisely.

Comments

zhongli | genshin impact

[saxum]

( DAY FOUR )

[ His initial assumption upon seeing the large stones is that they must be statues of some sort, but they lack any distinctive details unless they've been eroded over a long period of time. Still, the entire set-up seems more purposeful than coincidental. When Zhongli realizes he's not alone, he hastily speaks up. ]

Please allow me a moment.

[ He'll approach one of the symbols on the ground first, investigating it closely before moving on to one of the boulders, and once he has given it a good assessment it's back to observing the entire area. There's an equal amount of markings to boulders, so he wonders... hm.

While he thinks, his seelie familiar will be idly wandering about, and it might end up approaching the other individual there curiously just to say hello. ]

( DAY SIX )

[ Once they've taken their seats and instructions have been given, Zhongli seems pensive and silent. The odds are the same for both of them, and he has a feeling that with rules such as these, that they must each drink from one chalice, then there must be no room for negotiation. He can't offer a bargain of any sort. But, he can at least try to make this easier on the other individual. That is, if luck is on his side. ]

I shall be the first to drink.

[ He pushes aside the chalice set in front of himself and instead extends a hand, urging for the other person to give them the chalice set in front of them. Unbeknownst to him, it happens to be the one designated with the poison. ]

( WILDCARD )

[ If you're interested in doing something regarding one of the other day prompts or would like a custom starter, let me know over on my plotting comment or contact me through plurk or discord (gigapudding#2010)! ]

Day 6

[konpeito_aji]

Says who?!

[Irritated growl, and he pulls his cup closer! Out of reach, and like he's cradling a baby!] I'm still trying to figure out if I can use magic to work as an antidote!

[saxum]

[ Oh... okay. Maybe it was a bit haughty for him to just go for the other man's chalice like that, but Zhongli doesn't apologize. ]

My name is Zhongli.

[ You asked him who, so... ]

Have you a method to curing the poison's effects? Though I must say, there is no need for concern. I should not be afflicted in any manner.

[konpeito_aji]

I mean... maybe. I'm kind of --

[Wait what?] Uh, why not? Are you new here? [SQUINTS AT!]

[He needs to say his name too now, but he'll get back to it after the other thing!]

[saxum]

[ Kind of what? Finish your sentences, sir. ]

I am not new. Though I've not resided in this land for very long, I am not a recent arrival.

[konpeito_aji]

So you know your home's magic and demonic powers or whatever don't work like that, right?

Day Four

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata patiently stands back while Zhongli inspects the site. He arrived before him and already looked around, so he's mostly just happy that somebody else showed up.]

It's like an abandoned construction site. Do you by any chance have kinetic or alchemic magic? I tried moving the boulders around manually, but they're too heavy.

[When the seelie approaches him he meets it with curiosity, reaching out a hand like one would to give a cat or dog a chance to familiarise itself with a new person. Somehow it looks so familiar... where has he seen it before? It'll probably come to him in a moment.]

[saxum]

[ Assessment complete, Zhongli turns to his companion— er, both of them now, his seelie and this other man. ]

It shall not harm you, I assure you. It is most amiable to company.

[ In fact it'll nudge its squishy little body against that finger then make a delighted twirl before seeming to dance around Hijikata's hand. A new friend!

With a raised hand he focuses his kinetic magic on having one of the boulders raise slowly from the ground, moving it toward one of the markings. ]

My magic should suffice.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Cute... why were so many people given such affable familiars while Hijikata's is uptight and absent? But Zhongli's effort to move the boulder distracts his attention from the seelie.]

Oh, that's fantastic! We couldn't have been luckier.

[He quickly moves over, close to the marking, to help direct the boulder's movement.]

Just a little bit more to the left... yes, perfect!

[This is great! They'll be able to make really good headway like this (provided Zhongli doesn't get too exhausted, after all using magic takes energy too).]

[saxum]

[ Zhongli's familiar remains right behind Hijikata, attention torn between following this new stranger around and watching whatever it is they happen to be doing, but it's just some simple moving around of rocks, and that's not quite as interesting.

As Zhongli finally allows the rock to descend until it settles onto the marking against the ground, he turns his sights not on the next boulder but the other individual. ]

It is unnecessary for you to assist me. If you wish to observe me, you may do so.

[mayoninofukucho]

Are you sure..? Well, alright.

[He stands aside and lights a cigarette. They're outside, so it shouldn't bother Zhongli. Hijikata isn't used to being idle while others are working, but Zhongli's words were so determined that he can't really see a way to object. He briefly turns his attention to the seelie again, and that's when he remembers where he's seen its kind before.]

...

You're from Teyvat, aren't you?

Day 4

[moonspiracy]

[Cassius takes a small step back when the other man requests a moment with the stones. Behind him his drone is buzzing around...his familiar. For a Moondweller who has chosen a new life amongst the Fossildwellers it is quite ironic that this familiar, the object he has to depend on when using these new magical powers, is Moonmade technology.]

It seems to be a puzzle of some sort.

[His voice is neutral.]

The most logic thing to do is to solve it. Puzzles are made to be solved.

[saxum]

[ Sensing that there are not just one but two very curious things to investigate, Zhongli's familiar moves along from the other man to the other familiar, seeming far more inquisitive as it makes those bubbly noises and hovers around it close. Seelie are more used to approaching humans, not other strange creatures. ]

You say it must be solved, however there are instances where puzzles are used for deception and punishment.

[ Yet he already seems to not be interested in taking his own words to heart as he begins to raise and move one of the boulders. ]

I suggest to take caution.

[ Obviously more-so saying that for his new associate here and not meaning it for himself. ]

[moonspiracy]

I did not say that solving puzzles is without risk.

[The drone still happily buzzes around one of the stones and Cassius takes his time to watch how this ghost-like being starts to hover around it. In some sort of illogical way he expects his familiar to turn against him, Moon technology and all.

Caution or not, the other man has already begun moving one of the boulders.]

Your statement is somewhat contradicting compared to the actions you take. Yet, I do not deem it entirely illogical. [A pause.] Do you need my help?

[saxum]

[ His eyes flicker for a moment toward his familiar, just to make sure the creature isn't causing any trouble, before he turns his focus back to moving the boulder. ]

There is no need for assistance. I should be able to rearrange the stone as has been instructed.

[ There's a moment's pause. ]

I've not been one who has had to worry for the risk of danger in much time.

[ Not actually true considering recent events but it's hard to say if almost causing the demise of his own land gave him any degree of "worry" to speak of.

The boulder settles onto the ground, and Zhongli approaches just to make sure it's been placed down onto the marking properly. ]

Day 6

[whirlwindthrust]

I cannot allow you to do such a thing.

[ He would not dare put a hand on the Archon. However he can cover the chalice so that it cannot be taken. In this sort of situation, how can Rex Lapis - Zhongli - think that Xiao would permit this? If something were to happen to him - again - then how could he live with himself. ]

This one is in front of me, is it not? That means it is mine.

[saxum]

[ His hand stops immediately, but Zhongli doesn't pull his arm back or away. Instead he gives a pointed look in Xiao's direction. Firm. Somewhat displeased. ]

I was unaware you had come to learn this degree of selfishness.

[ Of course he has no way of telling which of the chalices proves to be the danger of the two, but it'd be best for him to be the first to sample a taste of his own choice, not the other. ]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Well now that some of his own courage is slowly being robbed of him from that look... Xiao looks down towards his lap. ]

I would not think that it is selfishness that prompts me towards this action...

[ Is it wrong to not want the other to "take one for the team" as it were? ]

[saxum]

[ No, really the word he should use is "selflessness", but he allow himself to speak in favor of Xiao's decision. If they're both going to be stubborn about this decision then so be it, but Zhongli certainly isn't going to back down. ]

Perhaps, were we in different circumstances... long ago, I would understand. I have subjected you to much, Xiao, and I've set clear expectation upon you as Yaksha. However, this I cannot allow.

[ He takes a deep breath. ]

You must not treat me as Rex Lapis.

[whirlwindthrust]

You have not subjected me to anything I did not permit. I am the one that chose to accept the terms of the contract, knowing full well the cost.

[ And THAT has nothing to do with THIS. Not treat him as Rex Lapis? How absurd. No matter what, Zhongli is Morax - Rex Lapis - to Xiao. Geo Archon or not, this is who he will always be to the Yaksha since that is how they had come to cross paths in the first place.

His motivation has little to do with reverence for the man's position in Teyvat. It has everything to do with the position he holds in Xiao's life. ]

There are many times I would do as you ask. In this, however, I cannot.

4

[grylls]

[ Riou has already decided he is going to move boulders, so when he seelie approaches him, he asks if it wants to help instead of waiting for a response. Since Zhongli needs a moment, he'll address the creature. ]

If you are able to push the top of the rock to improve balance, I can apply more weight to the base.

[saxum]

[ He didn't mean it so literally, Riou... The voice that replies sound strangely distant and not particularly directed to him, and so when Zhongli looks over, he's needless to say a bit confused as to why the man is speaking to the seelie.

Can... he understand it? Can they communicate? All of a sudden he's a little more focused on the two of them than he is moving this boulder.

The seelie, of course, doesn't really do much aside from give a curious bubbly noise then twirl before it nudges its squishy body against the tip of the rock. It's actually trying to help even though it weighs essentially nothing. ]

[grylls]

[ While Riou can speak to animals, he doesn't know what the seelie even is. But the seelie is cooperating, so the seelie understands, so that's all he really needs. Admittedly, it is less magical than Riou was hoping. Many magical creatures are much stronger than they look.. but this one doesn't appear to be.

Riou still moves to position to attempt to push it, though it's slower than he probably would've been able to go had the seelie actually been helpful. But it's important to participate. ]

[saxum]

[ ...should he let them keep going at it? Certainly the human's doing more of the work than the seelie is, but somehow, Zhongli would feel guilty casually moving the rock further when they're trying so hard all on their own. ]

I may lend my assistance, if you'd like.

[ He finally calls out and focuses just a little bit of his kinetic magic so the boulders starts budging a lot more than what Riou was accomplishing just a second ago. ]

[grylls]

Have you finished your moment?

[ He didnt want to interrupt 'u' Riou looks up at the seelie briefly when it becomes easier to move, then to Zhongli, deciding that it was not his new friend who was being the helpful one, and putting his effort into guiding the rock alongside he kinetic energy being applied to get it to the right location, rather than full muscular force. ]