the prism (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
saturations) wrote2022-03-07 12:36 am
saturations) wrote2022-03-07 12:36 am
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[ As you wake up - you may not have even remembered falling asleep. You just know now that you’re waking up, in the early morning before it’s even light out, shades of the dawn tinting the sky you can see outside of the window of the small house you’re all gathered in. You’re so exhausted that you must have just fallen asleep curled up on the floor, right on the tatami mats.
But when you look up, someone is speaking to you. A shrine maiden in a smiling fox mask. Her voice is steady, and gentle.
`Good morning.
You traveled a long way to be here, on this most important of days. I know you must be tired from the journey. But it’s time to get up now. Well– we’re already running a bit late. We’ll have to make up the time. There’s work to be done.`
Your belongings are piled by the door, and she gestures to them. Each of you is one of the following - there is no overlap:
A BOW AND ARROW. The stalwart TENGU. Known for their skill in the air, and ability to hit a distant target.
A RITUAL BELL. The tricky KITSUNE. Known for their adept use of elemental magic.
A SPIKED CLUB. The mighty ONI. Known for their strength and fortitude.
A SWORD. The rather ordinary HUMAN. Not known for anything in particular, except perhaps their tenacity.
Decide amongst yourselves OOC and return here with your choice. ]
But when you look up, someone is speaking to you. A shrine maiden in a smiling fox mask. Her voice is steady, and gentle.
`Good morning.
You traveled a long way to be here, on this most important of days. I know you must be tired from the journey. But it’s time to get up now. Well– we’re already running a bit late. We’ll have to make up the time. There’s work to be done.`
Your belongings are piled by the door, and she gestures to them. Each of you is one of the following - there is no overlap:
A BOW AND ARROW. The stalwart TENGU. Known for their skill in the air, and ability to hit a distant target.
A RITUAL BELL. The tricky KITSUNE. Known for their adept use of elemental magic.
A SPIKED CLUB. The mighty ONI. Known for their strength and fortitude.
A SWORD. The rather ordinary HUMAN. Not known for anything in particular, except perhaps their tenacity.
Decide amongst yourselves OOC and return here with your choice. ]
Edited 2022-03-07 18:56 (UTC)
[fine and normal. sure.
jiuqing's eyes narrow, and she chooses bow and arrow.]
jiuqing's eyes narrow, and she chooses bow and arrow.]
[normal and fine...
Itsuki will pick up the ritual bell.]
Itsuki will pick up the ritual bell.]
[ The shrine maiden waits, patient, for you to finish collecting your things.
As Nogiku picks up the sword … she won’t feel much different, actually. But this sword is familiar. She knows how to use it well. It’s been with her for a very long time, a constant companion. Maybe it used to belong to an ancestor or was handed down by someone she loved, once.
As Jiuqing picks up the bow and arrow, she’ll feel the dark wings on her back stretch out as she fully wakes up. This too, is a familiar weapon. She’s been trained well, and has served faithfully in the Shogun’s army for a long time. Another duty she must complete.
As Itsuki picks up the ritual bell, his fox ears flick a little with the familiar thrum of magic … what was the element he prefers again? It’s so hard to remember these things so early in the morning. The shrine he works at normally always wants you to be up so early, it’s annoying.
As Clarte hefts the weight of the club, they’ll find it easy to sling over one shoulder. It isn’t as if their form is any different than they’re used to, but there’s a hidden strength there that they’ve always felt. Careful not to bump your horns on the way of the door though. Red or Blue?
The shrine maiden nods at Clarte’s response though, hands in her sleeves, and heads out the door herself, leading them outside if they’ll follow. It’s still mostly dark out, but the rolling landscape, green grass and swaying trees, life abundant - is all dwarfed by the majesty of the enormous sakura tree growing from a jagged mountain. Delicate petals float through the air, even as far away as you are from it, sweet-smelling in the morning air. The highest point in the land. It has always been here, and you feel recognition easily, and at the same time, not? You’ve obviously never been here before.
The shrine maiden leads you down a winding path, stone steps, away from the tree in the distance.
`Don't worry. It is a sacred duty, but one I'm sure you will all handle adeptly. As I'm sure you already know, the time has come once again - you must cleanse the filth from the roots of the Sacred Sakura. It's a bit overdue ... but I'm grateful for your help. I've been assured you're all rather impressive. We have a bit of a walk ahead of us, if you have any questions?` ]
As Nogiku picks up the sword … she won’t feel much different, actually. But this sword is familiar. She knows how to use it well. It’s been with her for a very long time, a constant companion. Maybe it used to belong to an ancestor or was handed down by someone she loved, once.
As Jiuqing picks up the bow and arrow, she’ll feel the dark wings on her back stretch out as she fully wakes up. This too, is a familiar weapon. She’s been trained well, and has served faithfully in the Shogun’s army for a long time. Another duty she must complete.
As Itsuki picks up the ritual bell, his fox ears flick a little with the familiar thrum of magic … what was the element he prefers again? It’s so hard to remember these things so early in the morning. The shrine he works at normally always wants you to be up so early, it’s annoying.
As Clarte hefts the weight of the club, they’ll find it easy to sling over one shoulder. It isn’t as if their form is any different than they’re used to, but there’s a hidden strength there that they’ve always felt. Careful not to bump your horns on the way of the door though. Red or Blue?
The shrine maiden nods at Clarte’s response though, hands in her sleeves, and heads out the door herself, leading them outside if they’ll follow. It’s still mostly dark out, but the rolling landscape, green grass and swaying trees, life abundant - is all dwarfed by the majesty of the enormous sakura tree growing from a jagged mountain. Delicate petals float through the air, even as far away as you are from it, sweet-smelling in the morning air. The highest point in the land. It has always been here, and you feel recognition easily, and at the same time, not? You’ve obviously never been here before.
The shrine maiden leads you down a winding path, stone steps, away from the tree in the distance.
`Don't worry. It is a sacred duty, but one I'm sure you will all handle adeptly. As I'm sure you already know, the time has come once again - you must cleanse the filth from the roots of the Sacred Sakura. It's a bit overdue ... but I'm grateful for your help. I've been assured you're all rather impressive. We have a bit of a walk ahead of us, if you have any questions?` ]
[This is still fine and normal.
Does the sword come with its own sheathe? If not, guess Nogiku is just hefting it around JRPG style. She glances at the group after they've made their selection, following after the shrine maiden — and nearly stumbles in surprise when she lays her eyes on the gang.]
Huh? You've... changed? [Why does she sound unsure. This is, apparently, both new and familiar. What a headache.
She furrows her brows, turning her attention back to the shrine maiden.]
Um... Excuse me. But who are you again?
Does the sword come with its own sheathe? If not, guess Nogiku is just hefting it around JRPG style. She glances at the group after they've made their selection, following after the shrine maiden — and nearly stumbles in surprise when she lays her eyes on the gang.]
Huh? You've... changed? [Why does she sound unsure. This is, apparently, both new and familiar. What a headache.
She furrows her brows, turning her attention back to the shrine maiden.]
Um... Excuse me. But who are you again?
[have they changed?
the wings should feel unfamiliar to her, but they don't, really. or rather - they do, but when jiuqing tries to focus on that unfamiliarity, it slides away from her. the weight of the wings on her back, the feeling of the bow in her hand, should feel strange, but they don't.
this is fine. it's normal.]
...how overdue are we talking?
[they have to get back to -
they have to accomplish this task -
so she doesn't want to ask too many questions. but knowing how overdue this is may help inform them of the dangers they're going to face, purging this filth.]
the wings should feel unfamiliar to her, but they don't, really. or rather - they do, but when jiuqing tries to focus on that unfamiliarity, it slides away from her. the weight of the wings on her back, the feeling of the bow in her hand, should feel strange, but they don't.
this is fine. it's normal.]
...how overdue are we talking?
[they have to get back to -
they have to accomplish this task -
so she doesn't want to ask too many questions. but knowing how overdue this is may help inform them of the dangers they're going to face, purging this filth.]
[Itsuki reaches for -- what he thinks has changed, which are his new ears, apparently. The bell is clasped loosely in his other hand, and he makes a little face like 'damn if i had to be come a furry then i wish i'd gotten to pick my own fursona....' don't worry about it,
he follows the group, because of course he has to, even if he doesn't want to... he has to play along with the story, no matter how it ends. that's how all dreams work.]
...So this is the scenario, huh? [to himself, then] Wait, what do you mean by cleansing exactly?
[is he gonna have to fight... with his... elemental power...]
he follows the group, because of course he has to, even if he doesn't want to... he has to play along with the story, no matter how it ends. that's how all dreams work.]
...So this is the scenario, huh? [to himself, then] Wait, what do you mean by cleansing exactly?
[is he gonna have to fight... with his... elemental power...]
[wouldn't it be funny if su jiuqing could fly while clarte can't. anyway.
even without the effect, clarte is not hugely weirded out by growing new parts because this happens to them ALL THE TIME, so. it's still a little weird, but you know. also red, because red is their colour.
but the others have the questions taken care of, so they listen.]
even without the effect, clarte is not hugely weirded out by growing new parts because this happens to them ALL THE TIME, so. it's still a little weird, but you know. also red, because red is their colour.
but the others have the questions taken care of, so they listen.]
[ funnily enough, jiuqing ... does feel as if she could fly, if she so chose. clarte, well. oni don't typically fly.
they keep walking. It isn't a hurried pace, just a nice stroll through the beautiful countryside. A little idyllic village is off across the way as you walk down the road - a few kids even peek at the warriors all walking down the road before being called back by their parents - who also wave as you go by. The shrine maiden doesn't seem to take notice of it, but she does keep speaking to you all:
Oh– You’re right! I’m sorry, I did forget to introduce myself. I am Kazari. I will be helping you - or, more accurately, you will be helping me. And the rest of Inazuma. Don't worry ... things have been peaceful lately. I wouldn't expect resistance. A few tofu boys at most and I'm sure you can all handle that much. The Narukami Shrine tends to overreact and send heavier arms than are really necessary.
As for the cleansing ritual. As the Sakura watches over the land, it absorbs filth into its roots, to protect us from that energy. What you are doing will ask the gods to help us dissipate some of that cursed filth. I cannot perform the ritual myself, but you will be able to. I'll be here to help, to guide you in the prayers.`
She leads you, eventually, to the entrance of a cave, pausing to make sure you're all following before she continues downwards. There are rough-hewn stone steps, down into the darkness. There isn't much light, but you can still see enough from the dim purple glow of strange crystals embedded in the rock face, seeing small roots start to twist into the cracks.
`You do have the prayers memorized, correct?`]
they keep walking. It isn't a hurried pace, just a nice stroll through the beautiful countryside. A little idyllic village is off across the way as you walk down the road - a few kids even peek at the warriors all walking down the road before being called back by their parents - who also wave as you go by. The shrine maiden doesn't seem to take notice of it, but she does keep speaking to you all:
Oh– You’re right! I’m sorry, I did forget to introduce myself. I am Kazari. I will be helping you - or, more accurately, you will be helping me. And the rest of Inazuma. Don't worry ... things have been peaceful lately. I wouldn't expect resistance. A few tofu boys at most and I'm sure you can all handle that much. The Narukami Shrine tends to overreact and send heavier arms than are really necessary.
As for the cleansing ritual. As the Sakura watches over the land, it absorbs filth into its roots, to protect us from that energy. What you are doing will ask the gods to help us dissipate some of that cursed filth. I cannot perform the ritual myself, but you will be able to. I'll be here to help, to guide you in the prayers.`
She leads you, eventually, to the entrance of a cave, pausing to make sure you're all following before she continues downwards. There are rough-hewn stone steps, down into the darkness. There isn't much light, but you can still see enough from the dim purple glow of strange crystals embedded in the rock face, seeing small roots start to twist into the cracks.
`You do have the prayers memorized, correct?`]
Edited 2022-03-08 00:38 (UTC)
[she can fly?
yeah she isn't going to be walking. she'll be flying along with them, but she'll be sticking close enough to be able to take part in their discussion - though once they do get to the entrance to the cave, she'll land. probably better not to just fly right in there.
she glances from kazari to the rest of them. prayers. uhhhh.]
...yes, I think it would be best to have them fresh in our memories before we begin.
yeah she isn't going to be walking. she'll be flying along with them, but she'll be sticking close enough to be able to take part in their discussion - though once they do get to the entrance to the cave, she'll land. probably better not to just fly right in there.
she glances from kazari to the rest of them. prayers. uhhhh.]
...yes, I think it would be best to have them fresh in our memories before we begin.
[Itsuki follows Kazari and the others as they descend these steps. He wants to pause and wait for Kazari's answer, usher the group to a standstill until they figure out what's going on... His ears flick a little out of nerves, but he finds himself following anyway.
at some point he opens his hand and tries to summon a little fire -- he's not sure why he'd forgotten that this is his element, maybe it's because he's not used to working this early -- trying to give their surroundings a little more light.]
at some point he opens his hand and tries to summon a little fire -- he's not sure why he'd forgotten that this is his element, maybe it's because he's not used to working this early -- trying to give their surroundings a little more light.]
[ Itsuki will easily be able to summon fire to his hands! It definitely brightens up the place ... some. As they go deeper, the dampness and dimness seems to grow too heavy for even the brightest fire to lighten.
`They're quite simple. First you must ask the forgiveness of Narukami in the skies above, and then from Watatsumi from the land below.
After that, you must each invoke a prayer, to quell the god's anger. Maybe, a wish for the future, or something you care to protect, while you are performing this duty. Though, I do remember a shrine maiden who used to invoke her favorite snack - fried tofu. Really-- Just make it sound sacred. That will almost always work, hehe.
As for the tofu boys. Oh. Very deadly. Extremely scary.` But she's laughing. She doesn't seem concerned.
as you venture deeper, the air hangs heavier. It feels oppressive in here - almost sickening to your stomach. The miasma hovers in the air, dark purple, making your vision obsure. The small roots from earlier are now gnarled vines as you step into the largest part of the cave. Lumienscent fungi dot around you as it opens up, the roots of the tree tangled in front of you - gathered around a glowing orb. A tori gate stands in front of it, where Kazari leads you and stops.
`We should get started then.`]
`They're quite simple. First you must ask the forgiveness of Narukami in the skies above, and then from Watatsumi from the land below.
After that, you must each invoke a prayer, to quell the god's anger. Maybe, a wish for the future, or something you care to protect, while you are performing this duty. Though, I do remember a shrine maiden who used to invoke her favorite snack - fried tofu. Really-- Just make it sound sacred. That will almost always work, hehe.
As for the tofu boys. Oh. Very deadly. Extremely scary.` But she's laughing. She doesn't seem concerned.
as you venture deeper, the air hangs heavier. It feels oppressive in here - almost sickening to your stomach. The miasma hovers in the air, dark purple, making your vision obsure. The small roots from earlier are now gnarled vines as you step into the largest part of the cave. Lumienscent fungi dot around you as it opens up, the roots of the tree tangled in front of you - gathered around a glowing orb. A tori gate stands in front of it, where Kazari leads you and stops.
`We should get started then.`]
Edited 2022-03-08 01:09 (UTC)
R-Right... So, we ask for forgiveness. And then ask nicely for something. That sounds... simple enough.
[What's going to go wrong? Judging from how rancid these vibes are, potentially many things. She wraps a hand around the handle of her sword, gritting her teeth as they push past the miasma, until reaching the gate.]
[What's going to go wrong? Judging from how rancid these vibes are, potentially many things. She wraps a hand around the handle of her sword, gritting her teeth as they push past the miasma, until reaching the gate.]
[these vibes are rancid indeed.
but - a wish for the future, or something you care to protect...? that's not so difficult. jiuqing glances from nogiku, to clarte, to itsuki, and then back to the gate as they approach it.
she knows what she wants to protect.
she's got her hands on her bow, ready to notch an arrow if she needs to, as she approaches the gate to get a closer look at the tree and the glowing orb beyond it. what sort of vibes do the orb give off?]
but - a wish for the future, or something you care to protect...? that's not so difficult. jiuqing glances from nogiku, to clarte, to itsuki, and then back to the gate as they approach it.
she knows what she wants to protect.
she's got her hands on her bow, ready to notch an arrow if she needs to, as she approaches the gate to get a closer look at the tree and the glowing orb beyond it. what sort of vibes do the orb give off?]
[Fried tofu... Tofu boys... Itsuki meets Jiuqing's glance and then looks back at Clarte as if to say 'well, what else are we gonna do'.]
So that's Watatsumi from above and Narukami from below?
[itsuki immediately showing that he's stupid because he wasn't listening, help. he thinks he has the prayer down though. a wish for the future... he knows what he wants. he holds up the bell, looks down at the vines as if he can spot the roots they're supposed to cleanse]
So that's Watatsumi from above and Narukami from below?
[itsuki immediately showing that he's stupid because he wasn't listening, help. he thinks he has the prayer down though. a wish for the future... he knows what he wants. he holds up the bell, looks down at the vines as if he can spot the roots they're supposed to cleanse]
[ Kazari seems fairly unconcerned, the fox mask smiles serenely as she stands to the side of the gate, and lets the others pass through to approach the roots. They are enormous - that great tree on the mountain must reach for miles to get to here, roots digging into the earth surrounding them all. Everywhere, across this country.
As Clarte touches the fungi, they sort of poot up a little sprinkle of glowing sparkles. It's pretty! It isn't poisonous or anything.
The orb's vibes are .......... rancid. It's bad. Staring directly into it gives you a feeling of nausea and vertigo, memory and pain. But it's contained for now. It isn't lashing out.
Kazari clears her throat a little.
`You have to say the prayers outloud for it to work ... I cannot do it myself, but I can help you get started?
O, great Narukami, watching over us all, please forgive these trespasses. O, great Watatsumi, keeper of the ocean depths, please forgive these trespasses ...`
and then she whispers, `Now your prayers.` ]
As Clarte touches the fungi, they sort of poot up a little sprinkle of glowing sparkles. It's pretty! It isn't poisonous or anything.
The orb's vibes are .......... rancid. It's bad. Staring directly into it gives you a feeling of nausea and vertigo, memory and pain. But it's contained for now. It isn't lashing out.
Kazari clears her throat a little.
`You have to say the prayers outloud for it to work ... I cannot do it myself, but I can help you get started?
O, great Narukami, watching over us all, please forgive these trespasses. O, great Watatsumi, keeper of the ocean depths, please forgive these trespasses ...`
and then she whispers, `Now your prayers.` ]
[Being the first in this tag order was a mistake, actually.
Nogiku has not prayed a single day of her life. It shows in the way she hesitates after Kazari ends her prayer, her eyes darting to the others as if to say — help. But there is no saving her here, if they want to be rid of this filth. It's better to get it over with now. She closes her eyes, briefly, and exhales.
Her voice is quiet. Just a bit uncertain, as she starts off.]
O, great Narukami... O, great Watatsumi... Please, accept my wish. My dream of a kinder fate. Of a better tomorrow. For myself, and the people who I stand with now. For those they have come to know, and care for... and... for the one I...
[Kazari: you have to say the prayers outloud
Nogiku: maybe i will trail off and mumble this last part]
Nogiku has not prayed a single day of her life. It shows in the way she hesitates after Kazari ends her prayer, her eyes darting to the others as if to say — help. But there is no saving her here, if they want to be rid of this filth. It's better to get it over with now. She closes her eyes, briefly, and exhales.
Her voice is quiet. Just a bit uncertain, as she starts off.]
O, great Narukami... O, great Watatsumi... Please, accept my wish. My dream of a kinder fate. Of a better tomorrow. For myself, and the people who I stand with now. For those they have come to know, and care for... and... for the one I...
[Kazari: you have to say the prayers outloud
Nogiku: maybe i will trail off and mumble this last part]
[praying isn't so strange to her.
she usually prays silently, though, when she visits temples - so saying it out loud feels a little awkward. nogiku goes first, and jiuqing finds herself nodding sympathetically when her voice trails off.
shouldn't it be fine? some things are personal. if the gods are really paying attention, then they should know what's in her heart.]
...O, great Narukami, watching over us all, please forgive these trespasses. O, great Watatsumi, keeper of the ocean depths, please forgive these trespasses.
[she takes a breath.]
Please protect the people standing here alongside me, and please protect those we care for who are far away. Keep us safe from anything that would seek to harm us. ...let us reunite with the people we wish to see the most.
[and then, more quietly:]
Please keep my mother safe until I can be at her side to protect her again.
she usually prays silently, though, when she visits temples - so saying it out loud feels a little awkward. nogiku goes first, and jiuqing finds herself nodding sympathetically when her voice trails off.
shouldn't it be fine? some things are personal. if the gods are really paying attention, then they should know what's in her heart.]
...O, great Narukami, watching over us all, please forgive these trespasses. O, great Watatsumi, keeper of the ocean depths, please forgive these trespasses.
[she takes a breath.]
Please protect the people standing here alongside me, and please protect those we care for who are far away. Keep us safe from anything that would seek to harm us. ...let us reunite with the people we wish to see the most.
[and then, more quietly:]
Please keep my mother safe until I can be at her side to protect her again.
[Itsuki hasn't gone to a shrine in so long, but he knows how to play along. It helps that he can just follow Nogiku and Jiuqing's example. ....He knows that they've just been transported here and asked to do this, but he thinks their prayers are sweet...
He holds his bell in both hands,]
Great Narukami from above, great Watatsumi from below, forgive us. Please help us complete our duty and cleanse the roots, and help us return safely... home.
[well, for all of those who want to return]
Let us be the wind, so that we can be with the ones we love again.
He holds his bell in both hands,]
Great Narukami from above, great Watatsumi from below, forgive us. Please help us complete our duty and cleanse the roots, and help us return safely... home.
[well, for all of those who want to return]
Let us be the wind, so that we can be with the ones we love again.
[clarte has definitely never prayed like this before, especially when [mumbles]. but they've spent virtually their entire remembered life trying to go to church or trying to find fantasy jesus, so they'd like to think they have a good idea of how prayers work?
they do not clasp their hands, though, because they are carrying a giant club. sorry. they don't close their eyes either.]
O Narukami, O Watatsumi, forgive us. [... forgiveness, is it?] Please protect the people with me, and send these blessings to those who await our return. Give us the strength to hold our heads high and achieve our duty.
I pray that these roots be cleansed, so that the people of Inazuma may live in peace and happiness. May light shine upon everyone.
they do not clasp their hands, though, because they are carrying a giant club. sorry. they don't close their eyes either.]
O Narukami, O Watatsumi, forgive us. [... forgiveness, is it?] Please protect the people with me, and send these blessings to those who await our return. Give us the strength to hold our heads high and achieve our duty.
I pray that these roots be cleansed, so that the people of Inazuma may live in peace and happiness. May light shine upon everyone.
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