Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for January
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: January 10th-16th
Warnings: Luscious greenery and confused newbies

As has become tradition within the good (well, okay) city of Hadriel, new arrivals will awake on the floor of the half-destroyed colosseum. Confused and disoriented, you may be wondering where you are and what you're doing there. Don't worry! Someone will probably tell you sooner or later, as long as you get out of the colosseum alive.

Oh, right. About that. Along with the poor, innocent, vulnerable new arrivals are a number of other new friends! Well, maybe less 'friends' than 'horrifying monsters', but are you really going to be picky? Wandering the arena are Shambling Mounds. These creatures are large, unattractive piles of vaguely humanoid-shaped vegetation. They hit hard, they can take a lot of damage, and if you're really unlucky they might manage to engulf you with their weird plant bodies. If that happens, you'd better try to get free fast - otherwise they'll just walk off with you stuck inside and kill you later at their leisure.

The Door appears to have cast a wide net for 'plant monsters', and while Shambling Mounds are the only ones that can actually hurt you, it's managed to pull in a number of smaller, less dangerous carnivorous plants. Some of them are even kind of cute! So if you were looking for a pet venus flytrap or a new pitcher plant, you're in luck. Scattered around the colosseum are carnivorous potted plants, just waiting to find a new home.

Make a new plant friend, or get eaten by one, or run screaming! Whatever you choose to do, 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 January 10th-16th.
► 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!

Comments

[somuchlove]

[There's nothing particularly threatening about Chara, unless Lunafreya decides to be threatening back. But given the circumstances there was probably little use in that.]

I do reside here but not by choice. This place is known as Hadriel, and it brings in others like yourself.

[As emotional fueled batteries for Gods, but they'll get into that later. Right now there are priorities to be had and Chara was trying to be good. Thus it wasn't the best idea to leave someone bleeding on the streets.]

I have a first aid kit, if you need it, Ms.

[devotional]

Hadriel... [ The name is foreign on her tongue, and Lunafreya turns her gaze upwards to where she knows the sky should be. She's instead greeted with walls of earth as far as the eye can see, stretching far above her and the buildings that extend towards the horizon. Even so, the world around her seems to glow with the familiarity of dusk, and Luna is left to wonder at why this is so. ]

... Others? Do you hail from Eos, my friend? [ The child looks as though they could hail from Duscae or Cleigne from their clothing, but even then, their style of dress doesn't completely fit the aesthetic of said regions. ]

Ah... That would... That would be most welcome, [ Lunafreya intones in response to their offer, hissing as she struggles to put herself into such a position that she's able to utilize their aid. ] Forgive my rudeness... I am Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, of Tenebrae. [ While she doesn't assume a child would know who she is, if the stranger is indeed from Eos, then the name of her homeland would surely ring a bell. ] I only regret that we could not meet under more fortuitous circumstances.

[somuchlove]

[Unless those from Duscae or Cleigne favored stripped shirts, probably not. But those words sadly do not ring any bells.

Still, there's a first aid kit that they seemly pull out of thin air to offer to her. There's basic stuff inside, bandages and so on. Chara isn't too big on touching but they'll try to push it aside if she truly needs more help. It's the right thing...right?]

A delay in introductions is fine in this case, I think. [It's not their best joke but it's something to try and lighten the mood.] I am Chara. I'd offer a better welcome but this place is not so welcoming, sadly.

[There was the previous event but that illusion has long since faded, leaving them back in their Underground prison. And that was not something they like thinking about, considering how much Chara loved their own Underground when they were alive.]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can't help but marvel at the efficiency of this stranger as they reveal their first aid kit to her, and while she has only the most basic knowledge of dressing a wound, she sets to work. The bandages will likely work best as a stop-gap measure, and though something to sanitize the wound is absolutely necessary in this instance, the kit only offers medicine for burn treatments and, oddly enough, corn removal.

This doesn't make her any less grateful, and she smiles at the stranger again. ] You have my thanks. [ She makes no effort to touch the child before her, and it's with no small effort that she sets to binding her wound. Her hands shake with agony as well as inexperience, but she does the best she can. ]

I am honored to make your acquaintance, Chara, [ Lunafreya murmurs weakly, testing their name. ] I've not much to give you in return for your kindness, but if this place is as truly unwelcoming as my experience in those ruins has been, then... Please allow me to bestow my blessing upon you.

[ Lunafreya is confident that she can grant the stranger before her with some modicum of protection regardless of how cut off from Eos she is, drawing upon her own (at the moment, minimal) reserves of Astral energy in order to cast a weakened form of Protect. She murmurs a prayer addressed to deities that she knows will not hear it, gently upturning her palm in Chara's direction. A dull, pulsating glow emanates from her hand, gently circling the air around the child before fading as quickly as it came. ]

'Tis not much... But it is all that I have. [ If she appeared tired before, she looks absolutely spent now, and she closes her eyes. ] While I've no doubt that you understand the workings of this place far better than I, I hope that it will be enough to keep you safe.

[ A pause. ] Travelling alone is arduous in itself, and I can scarcely imagine doing it in a place like this. Are you on your own...?

[somuchlove]

[It always pays to be prepared. That had been drummed into their head for a long time and their experiences alongside Frisk had only strengthened it. Better to have all their healing items in place least they die again.

They watch the glow of Lunafreya's magic surround them with a small measure of amazement. Chara was still not completely used to humans possessing magic, as it was Monsters back in the Underground who used it. And this was far different than bullet patterns.

And by the look of things, she needed to get to the clinic now.]

Thank you Lunafreya. I am not alone currently, as I live with my Partner and my best friend. That aside, I can take you to the clinic once you are finished.

[They'd probably know more about helping her than Chara.]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya's prayer is brief, her blessing bestowed and in effect. It's a temporary protective measure to be sure, but she feels at ease in knowing that some portion of her abilities remain intact even in the absence of her gods. Even if the pseudo-experiment has left her even more drained than ever, she's confident that, with time, she'll regain some modicum of her power. ]

That is very good to hear, [ She murmurs, and when she looks relieved, it's because she sincerely is. Chara has shown her nothing but kindness when they truly have no reason to, and while the entirety of this situation has seemed impossible thus far, that kindness is something Lunafreya holds onto. At their suggestion, she nods, inhaling as she tries to push herself to her feet. ]

T-This place... has a clinic? I suppose... I was fortunate, then, to collapse where I have, [ Luna hisses, pain stooping her back as her hand flies to its source. Red blooms across the fresh bandages as she stands, swaying slightly on her feet. She barely registers her mouth forming words as she speaks, focusing hard on the conversation to keep herself from falling. ]

For such a rude arrival process, whatever power that has deigned to bring us here certainly has been receptive to the needs of the people...

[somuchlove]

[The path they had walked was one of genocide, back home. As Hadriel had impressed upon them, their actions were permanent here so perhaps being good was something Chara could attempt.

Whatever 'good' meant, anyway.

They stand when Lunafreya does, carefully watching her. They know the signs of too much blood loss. Unless another one of those creatures came calling it was likely that she wouldn't die but they shouldn't dither either.]

This way. As for this world, the Gods provide somethings, but if I recall the clinic is from the efforts of the people here.

[They'll start walking, knowing that continuing the conversation would probably help keep Lunafreya awake until the reach the place in question.]

[devotional]

[ Had Lunafreya knew that, it likely would not have changed things overly much. She knew nothing of Chara's circumstances save for what they had revealed to her thus far, but she would likely figure that wanting to do good counted for something, and no one who wanted redemption was ever beyond it. Lunafreya endeavors to see the best in people, and that's likely what buoys her when it comes to her duties as the Oracle of Eos.

Lunafreya is grateful for her new companion's watchful eye, though she doesn't verbalize it. She's well enough to stand and thus she assumes that she is well enough to walk. She waits for Chara to carry on before following suit, allowing them to lead. ]

"Gods?" [ She inquires, suddenly curious. She knows that any gods here are not her own, but the mention of the term immediately catches her attention. Each step is a struggle, but she presses on, staggering forward. ] And I assume that our presence here is a result of their divine will. [ It's slowly coming together, but this new information only raises more questions. Lunafreya focuses hard on Chara's voice as she limps along, hand pressed to the bandages. ] Just how long have people... been coming here...? I would venture to assume that it would be quite a while, if they had the time to establish something as involved as a clinic...

[somuchlove]

[There were very few that tried to see the best in others. Papyrus always tried, no matter what they did and never intentionally had harsh words for either Chara or Frisk. Humans on the other hand....well, it was probably best to not get into that.

Chara tries to keep their pace slow as to not put too much strain on Lunafreya but fast enough that they'd get to the clinic at some point. They could defend themselves if another monster came calling. They doubted that Lunafreya could, as she was.]

We were brought here by them, from what I understand, to act as batteries. They feed off our emotions. As for the clinic I am not sure who set that up.

[Give how often the city explodes, so to speak, it was probably a really good thing it existed.]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya is well aware of the cruelty of humans, though she knows absolutely nothing of Chara's experiences with them. She has seen every shade of suffering beneath the Empire's rule, and she is no stranger to the machinations of twisted minds in positions of power.

Luna is grateful for Chara's patience, though she can't help but feel a bit guilty for their slow going. Her wound still tears at her with every step, but she does her best to move as swiftly as she can, powered by sheer force of will. ]

Batteries... The gods can be so cruel. [ She murmurs, her tone tinged with distaste. She's reminded of Leviathan and her repugnance toward humankind, and while she knows that all gods are not the same way, Luna cannot help but feel a bit bitter. Her gods decided her destiny long before she was born, and now these gods have set her on a different path. Every deity that she has ever known manipulates the fabric of her existence to suit their own whims, and while Lunafreya is dedicated to her duty with a whole heart, she finds herself growing tired. ]

We are all... but expendable resources. One would think... that I would be desensitized to the foibles of the divine by now.

[somuchlove]

[It seems very few like Gods here. Then again, getting pulled to another world and being told you're going to be fuel for supposedly divine beings wouldn't exactly sit well with most. And as far as Chara knows, she could simply not like them to begin with. They didn't care much for it either, but to each their own.

They keep one eye on Lunafreya and one on the way forward. Chara doesn't have the Real Knife equipped at the moment but it'd only take a second if another beast showed up. But for now they'll keep the conversation going as they walk.]

Gods exist in your own world?

[The Monsters of the Underground had a prophecy about an Angel, but that was about it.]

[devotional]

They do, and it is my duty to commune with them. [ Lunafreya peppers her words with labored breaths, continuing the steady march forward to the clinic with a staggering gait. The Six were a mixed bag, and Lunafreya had achieved various degrees of success in speaking with them in order to have them enter covenants with the crown prince of Lucis. Some acquiesced quickly and quietly, and some spat on humanity and its ignorance, threatening to devour the entire race. Like people, gods were subject to their own whims and fancies. ]

We've not many, but each is a powerful individual in their own right. Some treated humanity as naught more than a blight and a resource, spitting upon our arrogance and utilizing us like tools. Others threw their lot in with humans. I see that Hadriel's gods seem to be in the same camp as the former.

[ Lunafreya inhales sharply as she finishes speaking, wincing through her pain and seeing stars behind her eyelids with every step. She struggles to find her voice again, very gingerly posing the question...: ]

And what of you? Do your gods share the same sentiment? That is, if you even have gods.

[somuchlove]

It appears so. A pity those considered 'all powerful' very rarely help others.

[Chara could consider themselves one of those beings back home, as being LV 20 made them stronger than any Monster they came across - bar two that took a little longer. But they've never said they weren't a hypocrite or self-destructive.]

The Underground did not have Gods, no. [Frisk could be considered one, but no, not going there.] But there was a prophecy. That an Angel who had see the Surface will arrive. And then the Underground will become empty.

[And depending on how you interpenetrate 'empty' it could be a good thing....or very bad.]

It has yet to come to pass, if it ever will, however.

[devotional]

Far be it from my place to judge, but a god who does nothing to shed their grace is not worthy of worship.

[ Lunafreya knows next to nothing of Chara's true nature, happy to believe that the child is usually this helpful. Luna has always been devoted to her calling, but her interaction with Leviathan has left her wanting. ]

I suppose "the Underground" is the name of your home. [ Lunafreya listens to Chara as they speak, inclining her head in understanding. ] I see that vague prophecies exist no matter the world.

[ Lunafreya sighs, the breath sending a sharp pain stabbing through her side. Buildings begin to dot the sides of the street the more she limps along, and she keeps herself as alert to her surroundings as she possibly can, keeping an eye out for more Shambling Mounds. ]

Have you been in Hadriel for very long...?

[somuchlove]

[When it comes to Leviathan, one can't really blame her.]

It seems so. Sometimes I wish it was a little more clear.

[That being a pacifist or going down the path of genocide was enough to let everyone go. Make the Underground "go empty" for good.

But, ahaha, we're not quite there yet.]

A few months now. There are events so one can't really clam to be bored. We are almost there, by the way.

[Chara didn't want her to pass out before they got there. They wouldn't abandon her here if she did but....well, they weren't good with touch.]

ack! i didn't see the notif for this until now, i'm so sorry for the wait!

[devotional]

[ When Lunafreya laughs, it's light and genuine in spite of the way it causes fresh pain to stab at her wounds. ]

You would think that whoever drafts the prophecies would want to be as clear as possible so their bidding could be done more easily.

[ Lunafreya knows nothing about the Underground or the world her new companion hails from, but she's eager to learn!... As soon as she gets patched up, anyway. ]

Events? Like... Festivals? [ Perhaps that's too optimistic an idea, Luna. ] How marvelous...

Ah... Alright. Thank you again for leading me all this way... I can only hope I did not burden you overly much. Please... once my wounds are mended, allow me to seek you out. I will renew my blessing upon you as much as necessary, and I wish to express my gratitude as soon as I am able.

[ She manages a small smile as she staggers forward, keeping pace with Chara. They come upon many unfamiliar buildings, but the clinic stands out from the rest, its bright murals and signage indicating exactly what it is. ]

I believe... I will be able to manage from here. [ Lunafreya attempts to straighten her posture, giving a soft groan of pain. ] I... I thank you for your kindness this day, Chara. Please... remain safe. It is my sincere hope that I will be able to see you soon.