songerein | { something steamy }

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{ something steamy }

SOMETHING STEAMY

This log is open to everyone and doubles as a "Character Intro" for new characters who were just accepted this round. As a reminder, new characters are welcome to carry over their TDM threads backdated to the last week of October (25-31) so that they're not really "new" if players wish to do so! Starting fresh is also acceptable.

I. REVEREIN HOTPOT

With the temperatures cooling down, some locals have decided to throw a huge hotpot party along the riverbank for no real reason other than to try and cook up some good food and meet new faces. While participating restaurants and farmers are happy to provide some surplus ingredients, others are welcome to bring their own. There are plenty of grills and pots to go around, but with so many people and…unique ingredients coming in, there's bound to be a little chaos. (Thanks to Mich for the idea!)

A. Hunt for the "Legendary" Ingredient. To spice things up, a challenge has been posted before the day of the party for those who want to add some unique flavor to the meal.

Golden Truffles. There are special truffles found deep in the swamps hidden within the Wildlands that are said to taste so divine that just a small bite would make one feel as if they are floating to heaven. No it's not poisonous!! While not exactly rare in number, they are notoriously hard to find and require special pigs to sniff and dig them out. Some truffle hunters have agreed to let anyone daring to look for the truffles to borrow said pigs for the hunt. However, they can be ornery and will only cooperate if you sing a happy song to them. The swamps themselves can be filled with some mild dangers, but the pigs should guide you. Probably.
Mandragora Leaves. There is a marked field where the mandragora have taken residence. They will give up their leaves if asked nicely, but if too rough or without showing respect, they will scream and attack instead. Even then you have to take care in clipping the leaves.
Rainbow Speckled Eggs. Some wild hens that live out in the Wildlands lay rainbow speckled eggs at this time of year and they are huge! Can't miss them. They are duds and won't hatch, so they are perfect for eating. The hens themselves won't mind them taken, but the roosters that guard them are a different story. Get past them and collect the egg!

B. Food Thieves. Attracted by the delicious smell and it being time to start gathering for the winter, a few critters and even some small fae try to sneak in and snatch a few pieces for themselves. Squirrels and chipmunks in particular like to swipe any chestnuts some people are trying to roast, and the birds are diving in for any free morsel. There are a few ways to handle this, from chasing them off to trying to create a designated "food try" for the animals to take to avoid them bothering everyone else.

C. Communal Pot Surprise. While there are smaller, individual pots available for more private use, there is a larger pot that suspiciously looks like a cauldron set near the center where anyone can dump in whatever ingredient they desire—even inedible items—and produce questionable yet somehow edible results. Here are some various effects that occur:

Anything green: Chances of turning into a frog—25%. The remaining chance is just having one's hair turn green.
Sour fruit: Everything will taste like lemons for ten minutes. No amount of sugar will help until it wears off.
Candy: Everything will taste super sweet for ten minutes and 50% chance of getting a sugar rush.
Alcohol: TIME TO SING A RAUNCHY SONG WITH GREAT FERVOR but think of the children or don't.
Inedible Objects: Why would anyone throw a shoe or sock in there—the soup will turn black and empty itself so now everyone has to start over.

This is not an exhaustive list or this prompt would go on forever—so feel free to come up with other effects with whatever item your character tosses in!

D. General Mingling. There are plenty of tables and places to sit, so grab some ingredients, find a spot, and start cooking! Just remember to share and greet everyone around! Be mindful of the pots and grills as well as they can be sensitive to emotions. Get too animated and the water or fire might shoot up in temperature. But dreamotion could also help enrich flavors, so everyone is encouraged to play around. There will also be a few spicy and garnish noodle dragons flying around to help season things. Just make sure they don't get too overzealous.

II. DRAGON ISLAND

The Hot Air Balloon Station set just outside some open fields beyond town are bustling with activity as the Dragon Island (name pending) has finally opened its borders and allow outside visitors to come in and visit the island. Its main attraction of course is the hot springs resort, "Draken Springs," where everyone has received a one time free voucher to test its amenities. There are other places guests can visit near the hot springs, and by helping the nearby towns and villages, favorability will increase as well as earn extra vouchers for the hot springs. For more details on the island in general, refer to the Mod Notes.

A. Dragon Riders. There's already a task written up on the Dream Board from farmers requesting help for harvest, but there is another request to help deal with some aggressive animals that have scared off some livestock and then corral the ones that have gotten loose. The beasts are a tough, armored, armadillo-like bear whose hide is resistant to dragon flame and can be tough to fight. Dreamotion works better to strengthen physical and magical attacks. The young adolescents are giving non-dragons the privilege of riding on their backs to fly around to help first find and deal with the bears, and then herd the livestock back to their respective farms and ranches.

B. Dragon Nursery. One of the neighboring villages is taking care of many of the new hatchlings that were recovered from the previous "raid" on Reverein. Despite a month passing, some dragons are still trying to figure out who the parents are, and there is a strong suspicion that some of the eggs were never originally from the island at all, leaving many orphaned. The dragons have a very strong communal instinct when it comes to raising their young, so some have been adopted but others are still waiting to be taken as arrangements are still being made. Thus in the meantime, help is requested to do one simple task: play and help feed the young hatchlings. They are basically toddlers so it might be quite the challenge for those unprepared, especially as their own magic is still wild and out of control. Calm dreamotion will help as well as using opposing elements to help balance the magic.

C. Hot Springs: Testing the Waters. Everyone has a chance to grab a towel and test both the indoor and outdoor public springs. For more private rooms, they will need to pay up as the voucher only covers the public springs. But they will still be provided with complimentary drinks, snacks, towels, and use of the showers to clean up before and after using the springs. As for whether it's mixed, separated, covered, or bare it all…well hopefully visitors are able to decipher the signs. There are also the saunas, just be mindful of how hot it can get.

D. Hot Springs: Special Snacks. There are some unique foods that the town and resort offers for anyone to try that can be only found on the island.

Dragon's breath peppers are hot, but these won't kill anyone (the dragons are too considerate for that). This particular species is safe to consume but as the name implies, will give one fiery breath for a while. Anyone who had the kebabs from the festival might recall a similar effect.
A spiked fruit that suspiciously looks like durian has a notable stench that will carry for quite a ways, but anyone daring enough to get past it will find the fruit sweet and seeds edible once boiled and the skin peeled away. It even has a bit of a rejuvenating effect.
Dragon fruits are a nice palette cleanser especially with yogurt or ice cream. Anyone who eats it will be able to relax more easily.

E. Hot Springs: Recreation Room. There is a sizeable recreational room where any guest is free to relax and lounge in. They offer a small snack bar, some board and card games, yoga mats, billiards table, and a ping pong table. The ping pong table in particular is set a little ways from the rest as the competition can get a little heated—literally. They even had to erect magical barriers to prevent wildly charged balls from hitting others outside of the containment area.

F. Hot Springs: Peeping Toms. Even the hot springs on Dragon Island are vulnerable to unsavory characters. Although rare, there are some unwelcome guests who try to peep into the springs, and while there are security personnel and magic devices that try to catch them, some still manage to sneak in. Especially the monkeys. Descending from the higher peaks, most wild monkeys use the other pools outside of the resort for their own use, but some are attracted to the food and other amenities and make their way into the resort pools instead. Some of them are respectful and can make for great bathing company. But others are clearly not and need to be kicked out without remorse. So whether it's an uninvited or unruly guest, or a wild monkey, if caught in the act either report or feel free to handle it. Remember, even if thrown off the mountain, they will not fall to their doom, and in this case will be caught by the magic security devices.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Heh, you don't gotta worry about me. Jus' worry 'bout you losin', yo!

[Sorry Percy, but it seems like he's far too into the game now. He strikes back and it's just enough for it to bounce back to Percy's side. Nothing fancy yet. But if he were to look closely, he may notice that an orange glow seemed to start emanating around Beat as the game progressed.]

[He hasn't taken a sip just yet but he brings up a hand as if trying to keep himself from throwing up. It doesn't seem like he's about to but does it anyway as a precaution.]

If this supposed to be some kinda green juice or somethin', I ain't eatin' it.

[Then he looks expectantly across the table towards Dorian.]

You thinkin' 'bout givin' it a shot?

[Beat does seem to notice her embarrassment and he begins to waves his hand in front of him, shaking his head as well.]

Nah, tha's what I'm sayin'. It didn't taste great but you jus' kept going. I gotta give ya props for that, yo!

[Had the soup at least tasted a bit better, he would've pushed through with it himself... But it was just bad and even he couldn't stomach this one this time around.]

[The monkey actually sounds like its laughing at Ryunosuke's gesturing, pointing towards him as it chatters away, none the wiser to Beat's approach. While it's distracted, Beat leaps toward the monkey, wrapping his arms around its middle.]

I gotchu!

[It begins to squirm and promptly slams the bucket onto Beat's head. The gesture was enough for Beat to loosen his grip on the monkey and it slips out. Making its way towards Ryunosuke, it scales him and promptly clambers onto his shoulder before pointing to Beat as if tattling on him. Yes, it still has the bucket in hand.

Meanwhile, the assailed who is currently nursing the area where he was hit:] Stupid, freakin' monkey! Wait till I get my hands on you!

[It's a good thing for Kor that Beat doesn't think much about it. The chef points over to their left. 'They went somewhere that way.'

Not far off, there is a figure that tucks an item within its hood, staring quickly at the pot before looking away.]

Yo, it's gotta be that guy, right? They acting all shady-like. Le's go!

[Not even waiting for a reply, Beat takes off making a beeline towards the suspect. It seems like he's noticed almost immediately though and they begin to make a run for it. Picking up speed, Beat follows suit. If Kor were to follow, he may notice that he seems to be moving faster than normal being around Beat.]

Ain't no use bouncin', yo! We gonna catch you for messin' with the food!

"I can't say that I have. Though the general sound of the style sounds similar to the noise called 'heavy metal'." His ears twitched slightly backwards. "There's a jarring bit of music that beats away at my skull for hours after it's played."

[Toge is glad for the bit of support, but soon he is following after Link further into the forest and away from the angry roosters. He skids to a stop when they get to the cliffs, and for a brief moment he wonders if they've hit a dead end.]

[That is, until he sees Link pull out the glider. Where was he storing that?? But well, he's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He nods.]

Salmon.

[He winces a bit as he says it, and his voice sounds noticeably strained; almost like it would sound if he had a case of laryngitis. Ugh, he's gonna need to rest his throat for a bit...]

[ Naminé's head tilts as she considers the vegetable in question, only to turn back toward Ira at his admission. ]

Even you can't move it? But... [ She curls a hand against her mouth, looking a little perplexed by this. Quieter, ] You're pretty strong, aren't you?

[ More so than she is, surely. Her brow furrows thoughtfully. ]

What about magic? I don't know a spell to make plants move, exactly, but there must be... something one of us can do?

[ Seems like it'd be worth an attempt, anyhow. ]

You could say something like that. I find myself much more familiar with attending to my duties, that I feel somewhat at a loss without them.

[It's. Something of a massive over-simplification, but he can't exactly tell everyone he's a recently-retired god. He chuckles and nods.]

I certainly would not say no to some extra ideas on how to spend my time. An old friend of mine from Mondstadt who happens to be here as well suggested I take up knitting, and while I am sure he means well, I do not think such a hobby is suited to me.

[Venti did try to suggest something to him, even if he was most likely joking.]

[Zhongli nods and smiles.]

Not at all here...

[And with patience, he helps her to scoop herself some of the spicy broth, as well as pick out a few ingredients that he claims pairs well with such a broth. Soon enough Velvet will have a nice little collection from the hot pot selection.]

There we are. I think that should give you a wide variety of flavours for you to try.

[Truthfully he wonders if his decision was truly as humble as one would think. He stepped down mostly because he wondered if his duties were, at long last, finished, and Liyue had evolved to a point where it no longer required his constant vigilance. As well, the longer he stayed as reigning Archon, a part of him wondered how much of him would be eroded away by the ever-present march of time and dictates of the Heavenly Principles... But still, he doesn't regret his decision. Not when he saw how admirably the people of Liyue and its guardian Adepti stepped up against the revived Osial and later Beisht when they threatened the Harbour. He couldn't be prouder of them.]

[Still, he nods to Trahearne, picking up his own bowl once more.]

Thank you for listening, Trahearne. I admit, sometimes I wonder if my decision may have been a bit selfish... but with everything as it stands, it was the right time for me to do so. And I have no doubt that the people of Liyue will endure for many generations to come.

[That last comment draws a chuckle from Zhongli as well, and he shakes his head.] On the contrary, I welcome it. If I am to walk among mortals, I should be treated like one as well, should I not? Truthfully, I have found our exchanges to be quite enjoyable, and would have no issue with continuing as we have been.

[After withdrawing his hand and hearing Ken's words, Zhongli nods.]

That sounds like a good idea. I do know of one game that I hear was quite popular. One person is designated as a "hunter", while the others are "rebels" who have to hide and avoid the hunter for a period of time. I think that could be a good starting point.

[Oh they are still old friends, even if they argue and bicker like a pair of old men. Once upon a time their barbs may have been sharper, but time has made their quips less harsh and more good-natured. There's something to be said about knowing someone for so long.]

That is true; biologically, dragons are much different from humans, and require different physical and social needs. But even so, the act of caring for and rearing offspring is a universal skillset no matter the race or species involved.

[He definitely remembers Childe talking about his family back in Snezhnaya back in Liyue. It was the one moment where he saw a spark in the man's eye, one that wasn't related to the thrill of battle. He knows that Childe will take his roll seriously, dragon hatchling or not.]

Ah, yes. I am doing much better now, thank you. Though I am quite embarrassed by my conduct during that time, I do not find myself to be suffering any negative effects now that things have calmed down.

[Oh, there goes a piece of food... welp. Were it anyone else Zhongli would offer to help, but he has a feeling that Childe would feel more insulted than grateful if he tried to help. The man has something to prove to himself, after all.]

[If he thinks Velvet has any sort of plan up her sleeve... he will be sorely mistaken in about three seconds.

Because as much as she would love to find some sort of refuge from their angry pursuer, there doesn't seem to be any within her line of sight. So...]

Good.

[With that, she grabs hold of his wrist even tighter and hurls him upward without any warning. Hopefully he doesn't get smacked around by the large canopies of trees on the way!? SORRY LINK...

And hopefully he's grabbed hold of a branch before Velvet leaps up herself...

Because rather than make it all the way, she grabs hold of his leg instead. She had meant to grab a branch, but with everything blocking her vision, including the leaves slapping her in the face, she doesn't know which way she's reaching—]

They called themselves "tapirs".

[Though, elephant things are about as apt a description as anyone's going to get out of Velvet because that's essentially what they are.]

Stupid little things with small snouts with more arrogance than me. [And that's saying something. Even Velvet can admit freely to that.] Apparently, they're the ones to go to if we've got questions or problems with the place. Got a problem? Take it out on them.

[Okay, maybe that's not what they said, but she's going to tell people that anyway.]

[She lets her eyes linger for longer than what should be considered comfortable before she grumbles incoherently under her breath and moves to step out of the water. She gets as far as lifting herself up at the edge to her knees before she realizes belatedly—]

The towel.

[In all of that commotion, he never actually gave her the towel, and so she splashes back into the water. And just in case he's thinking about it:]

Don't look!

[This is becoming more challenging. Once upon a time, knights of Hyrule would play similarly challenging games amongst each other to keep their minds focused on something besides fighting. Link had little experience with that, from what he remembers, but he sees now why it was necessary. The increase in speed forces him to change his strategy, and when he's not familiar with the game...that means it's easier for him to make mistakes. Like right now, when he misses, and the ball flies off the table.]

That's a point, too, yes?

[For Percy, that is. He, uh. He hasn't been keeping score.]

[Tying the egg to his pack, as securely as he can, he opens the paraglider to its full width, briefly examining it. If it could hold him and Gina, he's certain the same will hold true for Toge, so he nods at the words. The hoarseness in his voice makes him suspect, unfortunately, that they can't count on that speech ability again for a while. He can't help but feel sympathy for him.]

Grab my shoulders. I'll hold the glider.

[And indeed he does so. Once Toge is all clear, they can glide -- and hopefully be free of this avian nightmare for good.]

[Link is right in that his ability puts a strain on his voice, but Toge has pushed the limit of his Cursed Speech before in the past. He usually doesn't stop unless the backlash is so bad that he's physically coughing up blood or too weak to move. He's not quite at that level yet, but it'll do him well to rest.]

[So wordlessly Toge nods, getting into position and grabbing onto Link's shoulders. And soon enough, they're up and gliding through the air, much to Toge's shock and surprise.]

[He glances back behind them once they're airborne, just in time to see the angry roosters crash through the forest and crow angrily at them. One flaps its wings threateningly, but it looks like none are willing to crest over the cliffside.]

[Toge lets out a huff of relief, before tapping on Link's shoulder and giving him a thumbs up. They're in the clear!]

[He screws his face up in mild frustration when he drops the food. He will try again. And again. And again.]

That's a relief, haha.

[He smiles through his frustration as he snags a piece of shrimp he'd added to the hotpot, victory on his face as he lifts it upward out of the pot. Slowly now...]

For a few moments in there, I really thought you were going to try to kill me.

[And there isn't a single note in his voice that would suggest that it bothers him at all. If anything, it was fun as much as it was scary. It's just too bad he never got to fight him again.]

Did you ever end up escaping the hold they had over you? Quite frankly, I was surprised to see that they managed to do that at all- but I also realize that this world seems to play by a different set of rules.

[He's not trying to embarrass Zhongli, far from it really. If it can even pull an Archon here, why wouldn't it be able to mess with them as well?]

Edited (my english bad lolol) 2022-12-05 01:56 (UTC)

It is getting colder outside with each passing day! Ehe.

[Why doesn't Venti just claim a warm place to stay for himself? It's a mystery.

With his cape off and his hat tucked neatly to the side Venti continues to ready for bed (he left his loafer shoes at the window where he broke in) which means unclasping his belt to leave his anemo vision trinket to the side as well. Then the buttons on his corset. With that, he sits back on the bed with a happy hum.]

You've always been very kind to me!

[Victory! Zhongli nods in approval as Childe successfully plucks the shrimp from the pot into his bowl. Success!]

[While Childe may find the whole ordeal fun, Zhongli does look a little abashed at the words.]

Ah... I promise, even in my altered state, I was not intending to cause lasting harm on you.

[He says so, and yet... well. That's in the past now. He shakes his head, letting out a sigh.]

I did, yes. Ironically, it was thanks to a certain bard's meddling irritation that I was able to regain myself.

[Translation: Venti pissed him off and was an annoying little brat and it shook him out of it.]

I agree; this is a strange new realm, with a different set of principles guiding it. Then again, even a god may fall sway to the power of dreams.

[He would be happy to share the comparison! To tell his companion about how peppers seem to be so full of bastardization that they can survive through anything-

But his words are slowly caught in his throat. He can't say anymore as he feels the heat really start to amp up now that it's sat on his tongue. He tries to swallow it away but the heat is so intense that it feels like it's coating the back of his throat.

Venti suddenly hiccups quite violently!!]

Ah- Eh! Oh- [Hic!!] It's quite-! P-powerful?!

Oh? Is that so?

[Venti finds that hard to believe with how fantastical and relaxed this dreamy world is. So, Venti decides to get nosy about it. He slides closer to the blond and sits shoulder-to-shoulder with him.]

What have you been up to that's kept you so preoccupied?

[Spill the tea.]

I sincerely doubt it will be the last.

[The noodles are added in next - not for too long, lest the starch within interfere with and diminish the flavor of the broth, but enough that they soften to a more favorable texture.]

The dish quickly gained popularity. Not for any impression it left upon me, mind you, but for the impression it left upon them.

"Glory Be Soup" they dubbed it, named in honor of their emperor. Absolutely no one could escape its presence nor its notoriety after that.

However, that first time - I confess - it was tolerable.

[He scrutinizes the pot a moment more and finally he nods.]

'Tis done. And don't blame me if it isn't to your liking.

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{ something steamy }

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