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songerein2023-11-05 12:35 pm
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2023-11-05 12:35 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- aerith gainsborough,
- alisaie leveilleur,
- anastasia romanova,
- azula,
- black raisin cookie,
- demyx,
- ei,
- erichthonios,
- eustace,
- g'raha tia,
- gina lestrade,
- helga pataki,
- hiyori iki,
- ira,
- iris wilson,
- isabela madrigal,
- joshua rosfield,
- kaoru akashi,
- leo valdez,
- maedhros,
- martel yggdrasill,
- nahida,
- naminé,
- pauline bonheur,
- percy jackson,
- prompto argentum,
- riku,
- senku ishigami,
- shealtiel,
- shikanoin heizou,
- sora,
- trahearne,
- vanitas,
- venti,
- yato,
- zack fair,
- zelda (botw),
- zelda (ss),
- zhongli
{ a bit leafy }
A BIT LEAFY
I. LEAF STORM
During the first week of November, a storm of leaves will pass through town. It starts innocuous enough, with just a bluster of leaves carried in the wind that looks normal for the changing of the season. But as the days progress, there are large bursts even downpours of leaves that just fall all over town. And with this storm come strange things…
A. Leaf Monsters. As the leaves pile up and people attempt to rake and blow them away, there will be some strange movement...until it's revealed that oddly shifting pile of leaves suddenly rises up to try and attack, blasting sharp leaves and even trying to "engulf" the unexpecting, trapping them in piles of leaves. Time to deal with this sudden leaf invasion! (Note: the leaf monsters will be most active during the first week of the month and then taper off by the end of the second week. By mid-month, only a few will pop up here and there.)
🔥 Burn Burn Burn! Using any kind of wind will only disperse the leaf monster and make them split into more. They need to be destroyed completely, and the best way is through fire. Dreamotion fire especially.
🪤 Trapped. But be careful with that fire! There may be those trapped within the leaf monster itself, and burning it may hurt those inside. This is the one time using wind to disperse the leaves may be warranted, but maybe a "controlled blast" will help to keep the monster from spreading.
🐌 Animal Aid. While fire is the most effective, there are other methods—mainly through certain critters. The chickens around that statue from the Dream Board could probably help scratch and break them apart. Finding some special rainbow snails from the lake just south of town will also help as their glittery slime will not only trap the leaves, but also break them down quickly.
B. Leafever. The strange leaf storm and the leaf monsters are also bringing a strange cold-like disease, likely spread through the pollen or spores attached to the leaves. Those who get caught by the leaf monsters are most likely to catch it. Fortunately the effects are mild and only last a few days, week at most, but can be caught multiple times. There is also a cure, but it requires the same leaves that brought it.
🤧 Achoo! While having the leafever overall feels no different than a bad cold, some of the symptoms and side effects are a lot more…unusual with little consistency between individuals. Some may find themselves sneezing bubbles, others secreting slime as they sweat, and all dreamotion effects going haywire.
♨ Incense Burner. One way to help ease and lessen the effects of the leafever is to burn the leaves in a special incense burner infused with special dreamotion focused on healing and soothing emotions. A special stone must also be used, and it can only be found in the hot spring caves in Dragefjell, Dragon Island.
🍂 Leaf Sap. For the actual remedy, sap must be collected from the leaf monsters. How? Well—that's for everyone else to figure out, good luck. Maybe try squeezing the leaves? Or cook them?
C. Dryad. The most severe side effect of the leafever is the individual slowly turning more tree-like, some becoming similar to dryads. There are no serious side effects and will only last for about a day or two. In fact, those who "turn dryad" will feel healthier and livelier than usual. But it may be an interesting experience regardless.
🌲 A bit stiff. As the skin turns more bark-like and limbs become a bit more "wooden," those affected may find their movements a bit more limited at first. A bit of exercise and a gallon of water dumped on them will help loosen them up.
🌷 In tune to nature. While in this state, there will be an increased sense of awareness regarding all things plant. This includes the leaf monsters, allowing them to sense and pinpoint any that may be hiding or lurking around. There will also be a brief time where they can even control and call upon plants to do their bidding.
🍃 Big shed. When the symptom finally ends, all the leaves, branches, and bark will just fall completely off the individual and they will return completely normal without a single blemish. …And clothes. Hope this isn't happening out in public, ahem.
II. INFESTATIONS
With the changing of the seasons, all kinds of critters are either passing through on their migratory route…or burrowing in to start hibernation. Usually it's not a problem, but perhaps due to all the strange dreamotion energy flux over the past year, the creatures are behaving a little differently and getting in the way more than usual. The storm of leaves isn't helping matters, aiding in some of them to travel through. While some will appear during it, the majority will cause problems from around the second week onward.
A. Bugged Trees. Those living in treehouses are going to have a bit of a time as a number of insects will be looking to find a new place to chill during winter. Specifically, their home. Those who are under the dryad effect may want to be careful of any bugs that may be attracted to them.
🪲 Giant Beetles. Some may remember these fellows from previous years. The beetles are quite friendly, but they are quite large, large enough to ride on. They can also cause some rough damage on gardens and yards, their massive size creating large holes as they burrow into the ground. However, some are really useful with their pincers, capable of pruning unwanted branches. If not chasing them away, perhaps one could use them instead? (Especially against leaf monsters.)
🐞 Ladybugs. These ladybugs are average sized (thank goodness), but they have quite the attitude. Preferring colorful and well tended flowers, they will speak their mind should they find any that are wilting. They will also drop critiques on anyone with poor etiquette and living poorly. Those who have well kept homes will have an easier time with them…and also suffer large groups coming in hosting parties in the branches.
🦗 Crickets. The crickets are of the musical sort, ready to put on a performance to try and endear themselves to receive temporary lodging. Just for a few days! Their range of music is wide, from classical to punk rock to country to jazz to even rap. And while they try to be polite, well… Sometimes music jams happen whether they should or not. Like late at night. Crickets are nocturnal after all.
B. Migration Migraines. As if dealing with bugs wasn't enough, other critters are either migrating or looking to hibernate around town. One would think the Wildlands would have plenty to offer, but some may find the easy access to food in town a bit more enjoyable.
🦡 Honeycomb Badgers. These interesting looking badgers have a honeycomb for a back. While they will dig up gardens in search of tasty flowers, they need to "shed" their honeycomb and are deliberately going to people to offer it. They are not harmed and will just reveal normal fur beneath before a new honeycomb forms.
🦒 Flying Giraffes. A flock of large winged giraffes will be flying in and roosting on various tall buildings. They act a lot like Canadian geese, so…beware.
🐻 Cotton Bears. These cute little bears look like they could be living teddy bears with how small and plush they appear. And for winter, they are looking to sleep somewhere nice, soft, and warm. Like a bed. Now they don't really care if they are occupied or not, so maybe it would be better if some dens and beds could be made for them instead.
C. Field Foes. The farms situated around the outskirts of town are preparing to harvest their fields, but there's trouble. Unless it gets sorted quick, food might be harder to come by for the winter!
🌾 Scarecrow Rebellion. Something is wrong with the scarecrows, but no one is sure what. They're either sitting in the fields not trying to shoo away the numerous wildlife that have decided to come through, or actively waving their pitchforks at the very gardeners and farmers they're supposed to help. Perhaps they feel a bit underappreciated so some word of thanks could help them get back to work. In the meantime, some help clearing out the fields of unwanted visitors, especially the crows, will be needed.
🍄 Hopped Up Hares. Among the unwanted "vermin" are some hares that have somehow gotten into some…strange green mushrooms that have made them behave a bit erratic. They're digging up tunnels, wearing carrots on their heads, and stare blankly out into the distance. Catch them and drive them away! And maybe feed them some special pellets that will help cure them of their, uh, "ailment." It's not recommended to eat the mushrooms should they be found, but if one does…well, enjoy the same dizzying, heightened experience the hares did.
🍆 Oversized Veggies. Some young "genius" thought creating a special formula mixed with dreamotion would help the crops grow larger and faster. However, it only caused the vegetables to overgrow to as large as an adult person and are now rolling dangerously through the fields. Some even get into town! Pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, corn, potatoes, cabbages—all manner of vegetables are rolling around, so stop them before they cause too much destruction.
no subject
There we are. I hope you enjoy this particular blend; the flowers used within are picked fresh by the fairies who operate this tea shop, and is said to help offer pleasant emotions to the drinker.
[Zhongli's something of a tea connoisseur, so he's gotten to try almost every flavour of tea during his time here. He takes his own cup in hand, but doesn't drink yet.]
Now that we have some refreshments, I think it's about time to properly introduce ourselves. Forgive me for insisting on bringing you here, but I felt it may be necessary if you wished for discretion about your true nature.
[No use beating around the bush, considering they both already have an idea about what they are.]
no subject
[Hardly being a drink aficionado himself, Yato takes enough time to smell the tea before taking a careful sip. He's not exactly wary of the contents, just curious about the flavor.]
Heh, yeah no, I appreciate the consideration. I suppose there are some who might wish to keep their divine nature under wraps depending on who they're dealing with. For me it's not that big of a deal.
[Finding that he enjoys the taste of the tea, he savors another, longer gulp before continuing.]
Delivery God and God of Fortune, Yato, at your service! And how about you? You're hardly an average human yourself, unless I'm mistaken.
no subject
[It’s so paradoxical it’s fascinating to an old god like Zhongli.]
[As for the tea, it’s light and floral, with a faint fruity touch to it. Zhongli himself takes a moment to sip from the cup, enjoying the complex flavours. No doubt Yato will appreciate such a fine drink. Zhongli will nod slowly, humming in understanding as he processes this information.]
I see. It is an honour to meet you, God of Delivery and Fortune. As for myself, you are correct in your assumptions. Back in the waking world, I was known as Rex Lapis, the God of Contracts. These days, however, I walk among the people as a mortal, and go by the name Zhongli.
no subject
[He likes knowing where he stands in relation to the world around him, so to speak.]
[Tasty, if a bit weaker than what he usually goes for, with beer being his drink of choice. Still, Yato isn't one to waste anything offered to him, so he drinks it with gratitude - it certainly beats common bland tea. Hearing that the person he's dealing with is a more former god than currently one catches him by surprise.]
God of Contracts, huh? And now you're a mortal? Was that a decision you made yourself, or was it some kind of punishment passed down on you? If you don't mind me prying.
no subject
[He says the words with a light chuckle. Dreams were weird like that even in his own world, despite people's want to make them make sense.]
It is a strange thing to hear, is it not? But it is no trouble for me to explain. Though I walk the world among mortals, I am still in possession of much of my former powers. The only difference between now and then is that I have willingly stepped down from actively ruling over my people, and have been observing their growth from a more personal point of view. It was less a form of punishment and more a realization that I have fulfilled my duties to my people, and it was time for them to stand without my support.
[He speaks with a distant fondness, touched by a bit of melancholy. Though he has stepped back as Liyue's ruling Archon, he still watches over and cares for his people from the shadows. But even he recognizes that he was in need of a much-needed break after 2000 years of service.]
But rest assured, while I have relinquished my divine seat, I have still retained many of my divine abilities. Some of which can prove quite useful at times, such as when meeting a new friend such as yourself, Mr. Yato.
no subject
[Particularly the nightmares. Oh, he knows where they come from and what they mean.]
So you weren't the type of being to take a hands-off approach, huh? And to be leading an entire group of people... That's pretty damn impressive, even for a god. It's not easy to exert influence over the masses, be they mortal or immortal. How far did your guidance take them, your people? Did it lead to a peaceful existence for all, or merely allowing civilization to grow to a certain point that they can manage on their own without a guiding hand?
[He's very curious about what life for such a deity must be like. As a god who can only help a few people at a time, there's a great sense of admiration for the other man in his voice and eyes.]
So basically all you did was step down from being in charge. Huh. Unless you happen to now be a mortal with godly powers?
[He's just double-checking to make sure he's following along correctly.]
no subject
[It's said plainly and simply, yet the words themselves seem to hold their own weight to them. It was more than merely a promise or a duty, but a sacred vow to the land and its people. But Yato's words bring a small smile to Zhongli's face.]
For over two thousand years, Liyue flourished and thrived, becoming the central hub of trade in Teyvat. Even to this day, Liyue is still regarded as one of the most successful and influential nations, with Liyue Harbour being Teyvat's most successful mercantile city. And as for the success of its people, well... though my guidance helped lay the foundations of a stable society, it was ultimately the people who shaped Liyue into what it is today.
[He doesn't sound upset or sad that he's stepped down, but oddly proud; like a grandfather talking of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.]
As for my powers, while I do not possess the same magnitude of strength bestowed upon me whilst I held the Geo Gnosis, I am still an adeptus. And as an adeptus, I still boast a few divine tricks up my sleeve.
[So he's a little nerfed, but can still drop a Geo meteor on someone if need be.]
no subject
[He eyes Zhongli somewhat critically despite the smile on his face. He's pretty sure humanity doesn't want to be seen as just kids that have to be looked after by a disinterested parent. Still, he has to admit it does sound like the guy's done a good job of making sure society could rise into something great.]
Two thousand years, huh. Quite the long legacy you managed. From what I've seen, most can barely get through a century of peace without resorting to violence or trying to implode. It's also good to hear that you're the sort of god that doesn't take complete credit for people's efforts even if it was your hand directing them. They need to be sure of standing on their own, after all.
[Though if Yato can't help thinking that if he were in charge of a group of people for that long a period of time, it'd be difficult to part from them. Even if he did tire from the work.]
So you're still not one to be messed with, in other words. Nowhere near a normal human despite what you may be masquerading as.
[Always good to know whose bad side not to get on, just in case. Not that Yato would try to.]
no subject
[He doesn't say it in a demeaning way, but rather in that same proud manner he has been before.]
Ah, I do not wish to sound so tyrannical. Merely that I will not sit idly should a true crisis arise. But I've spoken quite a bit about myself, what about you? What is a god's role like in your own world?