hadriel_logs | Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

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Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for March
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: March 10th-15th
Warnings: Snakes! Snakes! It's a snake!

Good morning, new arrivals! Or, well, it's probably morning. The sun is up, anyway. Okay - not the sun, but that ball of light at the top of the cave that functions as the sun, anyway. Whatever. The point is you've woken to find yourself on the floor of Hadriel's colosseum. You may be wondering where you are and what you're doing here, but what you should be wondering is how fast you need to run to get away from a three-headed snake.

You're not the only one who just woke up. Also to be found in the arena, angry and confused, are Runespoors - large three-headed snakes. Only one of the heads is venomous, but all of them are perfectly willing to take a bite out of you if you get too close - or if you annoy it. If you're lucky, an attacking Runespoor may distract itself via infighting between the three heads, giving you time to run. If not, well, let's just hope you can fight off all three heads at once!

But that's not the only thing you might find. Also scattered around the colosseum floor are what look like tasty snacks. Popsicles, cheese, even toast! Unfortunately, if you get hungry and take a bite, you will quickly discover that each and every one of these is actually soap. So that's great. Maybe the Door thinks everyone needs to shower more? You can also find a few that actually look like soap, and if you're really lucky, you might stumble across the rare and coveted 'pile of baby hands' soap.

With luck, you didn't get eaten by a snake or accidentally eat a piece of soap. Once you find your way out of the colosseum there's plenty of other distractions. Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers March 10th-15th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

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[Yukari still hasn't bothered to take note when New Arrivals are due to come into the caves, and he's left to go do some training again. Harassing Regis the other day was fun, but he's got his own things to keep up with. He had no success in training when his eye was lost. But now that he's got it back, it's time to make up for it with vigour.

Although, he certainly wasn't expecting another person to be here on his visit to the depths. Since when did this place become such a hotspot? Hmm. I don't think I've seen this one around before. He approaches Ardyn with an airy chuckle and a melodic tone.]

What, Tonberries? These ones are easy. I figured they would have fallen prey to the other beasts in here by now for how insufficient they are.

Seems like you're rather surprised yourself that they exist here. Tell me, are you new or have we just not had the pleasure to running into each other yet?

[He hardly seems worried about the Tonberry. He'd rather have a delightful conversation with the new guy. If the Tonberry gets too close, he'll just unsheathe his sword and probably make swift work of it. If he feels generous on ending its life rather than toying with it as he slices it away piece by piece.

What? this place gets boring, okay?]

[He hears the footsteps before he hears the voice, only barely bothering to look over his shoulder to see the stranger approach. His response is just as unaffected, though not particularly melodious -- there's a control to it, an even patience that's misleading, given the frustration that simmers just beneath the surface since his arrival.

And so. A shrug of broad shoulders, a smile that isn't completely sharp edges, only because he deigns it so.]

"Easy"? These creatures are nothing to scoff at, as the saying goes, where I come from. They're small and even endearing, but quite eager to pierce flesh with a kitchen knife. And they're very efficient at it, too.

[The tonberry is just doing what tonberries do... it's approaching, but very slowly. More like a waddle. For some reason, Ardyn feels so unconcerned by it that he pulls his attention to this new stranger completely.]

As for your question, yes. I'm quite new.

Ah, so these are familiar where you're from, then. [How flattered he is that you'll give him your full attention, Ardyn. At the very least, you're taking this as seriously as he is; which may not necessarily be much at the moment. But Yukari is already taking Ardyn more seriously than most that he's met for the first time.]

If one is not mislead by the fallacy, these creatures are certainly simple to defeat. Although, I suppose if one has an advantage, that also helps to tip the scales in one's favour, does it not?

[After all, he's never had a problem with them.]

I suppose I shall consider the pleasure mine, then. Do you have an opinion on these caves as of yet? If you're already looking for trouble, I can't imagine it's a very high one.

[A delighted smirk. Yukari didn't exactly take offense to being here when he first arrived. But he remembers how bored he was for the longest time. And when you don't have much to do, well, you create your own excitement.]

That's right. These are not an uncommon sight in Eos. [There's an irony to his words that he doesn't bother divulging. Yes, tonberries had become a familiar sight, with no small effort on his part, making them prevalent in the time before he had arrived here. Anyone from his world should rightly hate him for it, but Ardyn finds that he certainly doesn't care one way or another.

He actually gives something reminiscent of a ha, at that question.] My opinion of these caves is that they're dark and laden with dangerous creatures. And yet I'm of a mind to explore; sitting quiet in the arms of safety becomes droll after awhile. I do like to keep entertained.

[Never mind the fact that Ardyn had just practically arrived here, not all that long ago. He tilts his head in the stranger's direction, as if assessing him.]

So, mysterious one, are you saying that you have an advantage when it comes to fighting these poor little tonberries? I take it that sword of yours is not just for show.

Of course. Entertainment is crucial to one's happiness. I feel the same.

[Yukari gives a delighted chuckle at being called Mysterious One. Definitely different to the titles he's otherwise familiar with wearing.]

But of course~ Perhaps even several advantages.

[Taking it as the opportunity to show off, Yukari crackles Green Electricity between his finger tips before sending it in a massive wave at the Tonberry.]

Once you know what you're toying with... [He can't resist smirking as he unsheathes his sword, giving several flambouyant twirls of the blade (You know, since Ardyn asked so nicely) before swiftly doing away with the Tonberry in a flash of metal.

Then, he gracefully turns back to face Ardyn, softly replacing the sword into it's holster, giving a flambouyant bow.] ...The rest is easy.

[The swiftness in which the tonberry is dispatched (not to mention the flourish) is nothing short of impressive. Even Ardyn has to raise a brow in something akin to being pleasantly surprised. He even claps his hands a few times -- it was quite a show.]

My, you're quite the swordsman. It's rare to find an individual who is as skilled as they are confident.

[He sounds amused, almost ingratiating. He can't help but wonder at the nature of that wave of energy, or just how this man has the strength to take down such a fiend so quickly.]

Though it's as you said, if a tonberry is hardly a challenge for you, then you must grow bored terribly quickly.

[Another airy chuckle.]

Well, I'm certainly pleased that you approve. I was second only to the Kings of my homeworld, and was second in command to two of them. It is rather delightful when one has a keen eye to what is being appraised. It is something I have come to miss in my time being here.

[Compliments on his skills have been nearly out of the question since his arrival. Everyone he's fought has been too upset at him to admit them, his duel with Sato had his skills handicapped at the time, and the only person here who cares for him compliments him in places he least expects it; none of them in his prowess for combat. So, Ardyn is a fresh change of pace for him right now. He'll accept the flattery.]

Well, there are a wider variety here. But I find most of these beasts lack passion. Fighting to just simply win... there's not beauty behind it. And monsters are certainly not sentient enough to have a true purpose... one from which they can grimace at you as you rip it from their grasp.

[He looks back at the remains of the Tonberry and gives something between a scoff and a laugh.]

Strictly for the slaughter, and nothing else. I crave far more beauty than that.

[The mentions of "Kings" is enough to spark Ardyn's interest, though perhaps not for the same reasons most would assume. In fact, he raises a brow, and sorts through which questions he would like to start with in his mind. He seems to settle on one, because he asks:]

So the Kings of your homeland must be quite the sight to behold? [He huffs out a laugh, something lacking in humor.] As royal as they come.

[But he continues.]

And what would constitute as beauty in your eyes, hm? They say it's in the eye of the beholder, you know.

The Kings of my homeland are certainly interesting. Very powerful. It would be rather difficult to defeat them without an ambush or a power to match theirs. Of course, I suppose one would have to be excruciatingly powerful to wield and bear the Damocles Swords. [Even then, some of them couldn't take it. If they faltered, their Sword became a threat to general populace and threatened to take most of the area with it if the King wasn't disposed of.] I don't think one would call them Royal, however. It was governance of a territory. King is just the title. Certainly not the types to sit on a throne and issue commands to the commoners.

[At the question of beauty, Yukari gives a chilly smirk, with something obviously lying underneath: A sense of pleasure and cruelty. Something to mark the sleeping beast within him. And an equally chilly chuckle to go with it.]

That's easy: Chaos.

Edited 2017-03-16 17:40 (UTC)

If you are to look at it in that rather simple way, then yes. A King is just a man who carries a title; but the responsibilities that come with it should always be burdensome, else they are not fit for the crown. [He chuckles, a cold-sounding thing.] But it's obvious that your kings are not like the ones that hail from Eos, so who am I to assume?

[Ah. Chaos. Ardyn looks even more interested than before.]

And what's the beauty in chaos? In disarray?

I suppose that's true, they certainly carried the burden of the world, with their own ideals for it. You should have seen it when the Blue King killed the Red King, his own friend. All in the name of stopping a cataclysm. It was delightfully tragic. And he became so burdened with his weight, that he almost succumbed to the same fate as the Red King. Although, I suppose it is no surprise that he had risen through it after all.

I love a great many things in the midst of the Chaos. But I must say my personal favourites are tied. One is being able to hold what someone has worked so hard for right in your very hands, and watching their faces as you crush it before them, making them witness that they have truly lost it all, and their efforts were for naught is something particularly glorious. And the second is the passion that arises. Seeing everyone fight with all of their inner beauty and most passionate desires is a sight worthy to behold. So many people lie dormant to their truths, that only Chaos can spring it forth in them.

[Ardyn looks pleasantly surprised that someone would be so bold in their admissions, so sincere in how much they enjoyed "chaos". It's almost enough to dislodge his interest in the subject of kings.]

And is chaos what you search for, even here in Hadriel? What if someone could offer it to you? Or at least the potential of it. Would you accept?

Hmm, I must admit, it has been rather boring here without the stir of some true Chaos. I certainly wouldn't desire to remain lackadaisical. Very well, I would most certainly accept.

[A light, airy chuckle, almost melodic in a manner.]

And to whom would I owe the honour to? Is there a dream you had in mind?

A dream? How fantastical. [He laughs.] I hardly waste my time with dreams anymore, you know.

[He only lives in nightmares these days.

Ardyn hums in consideration though, despite himself.]

There is an old king here. A dead man, actually, who goes by the name of Regis Lucis Caelum. Have you by any chance run into him before now?

But of course~ I simply meant a goal. Be it long term or short term. I find it rather interesting to aid in carrying out such desires.

[Oh, and the person Ardyn mentions brings a familiar glimmer of delight to Yukari's eyes.]

Ah, Majestic-chan~. Yes, several times. I find him rather amusing to tease and prod at. He is a rather... honourable figure. [Another delighted chuckle.] How shall I torment him, then?

[He awaits your command, My Liege.]

[Majestic-chan? Oh, Regis will not hear the end of this anytime soon.]

I'd have you do more than just tease and prod at him. He is one of a handful that have appeared in Hadriel, but come from my world; I'm rather worried that the lot of them will become complacent, and we've all very important things to tend to back in Eos.

Keep them on their toes with that sword of yours, if you don't mind terribly. Make certain they are all prepared to fight at any moment. Beyond that, I leave it to your discretion. And your entertainment.

If that sounds reasonable to you, I can give you the names of the others I know of.

So you're more than familiar with him. [Yukari had suspected as much, the way Regis was brought up specifically in this circumstance.]

I'd be delighted to keep them on their toes. [He gives a rather flambouyant twirl and a bow, an ever-delighted smirk on his face.] Consider Yukari Mishakuji to be at your service, My King.

I don't suppose one of these others would be Noct-chan, as well?

[He's only encountered Noctis once, and it was right alongside Regis. And, well, since Regis had admitted to him being his son, it certainly wasn't difficult to do the math.]

I'm quite familiar with him, yes. You could say that we do not see eye-to-eye on certain matters, though I'll spare you the boring details. Surely you don't want to be bogged down by the dramas enveloping my world as we speak.

[Drama that he's caused, but. Ah. Semantics.

When Yukari calls him King, by the Six, he almost, almost forgets what he was going to say next. How long has it been since anyone's uttered that title to him in earnest? Even Ardyn is uncertain how to feel about it.

And so he doesn't linger, instead he continues.]

Noctis is Regis' son. He's more important than the old king himself, and so yes, please give him special attention.

[A grin.]

The rest as I know them are Gladiolus Amicitia and Prompto Argentum. If there are others, they refuse to tell me, or I haven't yet seen them.

Oh, my, it seems I have met all of these. [Prompto? The Child he attempted to guide to Fear's presence for a laugh? Oh, no. That poor Child's life just got more difficult. He'd certainly be the easiest to bait.] And special notes to Noct-chan. I can certainly do that.

Very well, rest assured that they will be walking on eggshells.

Ah, but before I get too far ahead of myself. [Each King has had different rules, so he must be sure how far the boundary stretches. He folds his arms.] Death works a little differently here, by means of resurrection from Hope-chan, if you didn't know already. Despite that, do you want me to refrain from such?

[Because if not, well... He'll unleash absolute Hell in Hadriel to torment this family.]

[He tilts his head, ever so slightly. With what ease he's managed to convince this man to make life difficult for his fellow "acquaintances" from Eos!

The question he's asked is reasonable, he must admit. Limits must be set, at least where death was concerned.]

So it's the fate of everyone to live a forced existence of immortality? [He allows himself a laugh, but for some reason it lacks any real humor.] Then I suppose I should ask... Do they return with injury or impediment? Permanent damage is perhaps not preferable where Noctis is concerned. And Prompto, don't kill him. We still have business we're attending to.

["Business". Right.]

As for Gladiolus or the old king, do with them whatever you like. The latter has already tasted death once before; what's a few times more?

Au contraire, death can mean rejuvenation. I had lost my eye in an unfortunate mishap of carelessness on my own behalf. When someone suggested death to replace it, I took them up on the offer. And, well... [He flourishes a wave of a hand to his right eye, without scar nor trace of the incident.] Although, I certainly do not intend to be quite as careless in the future, it is quite the benefit should one become disabled.

[He makes sure to specifically note to not induce death on Prompto. He supposes that's fair; the child appears to be able to be easily traumatized, and if he has business, well... Might as well let the King does as he wishes.

But with the other permissions, he gives a delighted smirk. How perfectly wonderful, he has two prey he can toy with endlessly. Just imagining how to string them along is as pure bliss.]

Well, then, I shall be eternally grateful to that freedom. I'll give you my number, should you have need to contact me for any reason.

Is that so? How brave of you to offer yourself up to death, for the sake of an eye. [Brave, or foolishness? To assume so readily that whatever forces here would be so ingratiating to fix old injuries. To assume that they would always be so generous. He keeps that much to himself, regardless; it's something to contemplate for the future, though not something he would ever have to do, given his own immortality that lies outside the powers that abide over Hadriel.]

Perfect. And in turn, a proper sort of introduction is in order.

[He grins. He was given a name, but he did not give his.] My name is Ardyn Izunia. It's a pleasure to meet someone so helpful in these early days.

Well, it's hardly sacrifice when you know you'll be resurrected regardless. The worst that could have happened would have been that my eye would not have returned. Call it ambition to test the theory. I certainly had nothing else to lose.

The pleasure is mine. It's rather delightful to meet others inclined toward Chaos. The numbers are remarkably few and far between. Anyone with your goal and mindset undoubtedly has my respect.

I will ensure to keep you updated on my progress.

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Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

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