[Kenoma] Discussion

[lachtara]

( 🟣 - Emet, 🔵 - Ciel )

Good Evening.

There are some within our ranks who we have not had the pleasure of meeting. I am Emet-Selch. Ciel and I serve as tacticians and teachers to the Kenoma.

I function as acting counsel for devising strategies. Additionally, some of you may find yourself in possession of new magical abilities that you did not have before. I am available to assist you with honing your newfound magical skills. To those of you who find yourself injured, I can provide my magic to heal your wounds so that you may be hale and whole once more.

[ He sighs. My, is this a mouthful. ]

My name is Ciel. I am versed in martial arts and am proficient with most types of weaponry. There are various means of developing melee combat prowess across Achamoth, but if you would like personalized instructions at any level, please contact me and we’ll arrange for a schedule. I can also perform magical healing along with Father Paul.

Unfortunately, We do not have much time for pleasantries. The Pleroma will soon be at our doorstep. Their goal is to retrieve their allies who remain captive inside our walls, and our goal is to lure them deep within the Citadel where we may enact our own plans. You will be provided assignments once it is closer to the promised hour. Prepare in your own way meanwhile; The Citadel is host to all manners of weaponry and the army's training grounds.

[ It’s kept a little vague and unspecific. Though they do intend to give adequate information, there is also no question that they have had traitors in their midst as of late. Everything will be doled out with due caution. Although, there will be a silent message sent to each person asking them to respond with some information of their abilities. ]

We are at war, bloodshed is inevitable. We will be attacked soon, and we must defend our keep. Consider this communion address a formal hub for discussion and organization of the battle to come. We will begin with information sharing of the Pleroma: knowing their names, appearances, and capabilities will better prepare us in dealing with them in combat. Aions may develop new abilities at any time, however; intel from the mission in Venera and Godsblood may very well be outdated by now, so do not assume anything we go over in this address as the extent of what they can do. Anything you may have witnessed at the shrines can be helpful, including other newcomers you may have met that did not return to Achamoth..

To the third wave of newly awoken Aions, it is regrettable that we cannot welcome you better, you’ve unfortunately arrived at a tumultuous time on Horos. If this is all too much for any reason, that’s fine. Contact me privately, and we can at least arrange for you to be somewhere safe during this. To those used to wielding great power, please get some practice in and verify your new limits. Becoming an Aion may have weakened you, do not let that catch you off-guard on the battlefield.

To those who are new, introduce yourselves and ask any questions you have. We will answer your questions as best we can, and I encourage our fellow Kenoma to chime in where they may. Do try to keep your questions interesting enough to be worth reading.

Comments

[regressor]

Mmmm. That's probably all.

It would save me from having to drag myself to the kitchen sick, so. I'd appreciate it.

If it happened, I mean.

[regressor]

There's cats? Like... normal cats?

[Look, Achamoth seems... interesting. Partying is the last thing she's interested in.]

If you have a favorite restaurant... I'd like to hear it. I love trying new food.

[hundredpower]

Very well, Miya. Please contact me if you need anything. Myself and the other more experienced of the Kenoma will be here to assist you.

[Neither of them are going to get much further with this discussion with Atsumu as he is now, so best to let him blow off some steam first.]

[tohell]

Then you'll find no shortage of resources within the Citadel's library. Though, do be sure to ask a more reliable source when comparing notes.

Here, the Regent's plan to rewrite the Universe is celebrated as a religion, while our leader themselves is revered and worshiped like a god.

As with any religious texts, there are variations throughout history, which change depending on the author's vision and their creative liberties. With the contents being more spiritual in nature, as opposed to an exact science, the reader has to extrapolate what might be fact or embellishment. [ Basically, don't get your hopes up too high about approaching this academically. With worshipers injecting their own wild speculations or fabricating outright fairy-tales, some of the sources don't offer a history lesson but pure folklore. ]

I've not personally spoken to our senior Kenoma here, but Xishen may be able to clarify something for you if it could prove useful in our overall goal. [ He's not sure how long the more elusive Aion has existed here, or what she may have been witness to, but he has a feeling she may be helpful in guiding him in the right direction. All the more if Crane informed her that something discovered in his research could turn the tide in this war. ]

Fair warning, be sure you're prepared for the price when you go hunting for books. In this place, it seems those aren't a cheap, mass-produced commodity, but more like a luxurious expense, what with the limited resources for printing reflecting the exorbitant cost. [ Now, that is something J can allow himself to be honest about, and his great disappointment in being denied an endless supply of reading fodder to kill time is clear as day. He's no scientist, but after living some seven hundred years, seeing every nook and cranny of the world that he was summoned to, and doing a little of everything, life gets monotonous without something new to learn between the pages of a book. ] While we are given a generous allowance by the Regent, no stipend is an endless gravy train. And extravagances can see that dry up quickly.

[ At the suggestion that Crane might begin manufacturing goods of a more recreational nature, J gives a light laugh through the shared space. Hey, mad respect to the hustle, Dr. Crane. Sometimes you need a day job to support your passion. Even if that's concocting hallucinogenics. If he goes full-blown Walter White, there may be some pushback from the local drug bosses. Then again, perhaps it'll eventually be smooth sailing, what with Crane's status as a beloved Kenoma Aion and the very real threat he could prove to any opposition, if he gets his toxins in production. ]

Should you be so magnanimous to provide for the general populace, I've a feeling they'll take to your wares like fish to water, no matter the cost. [ The citizens here are always looking for that next high before the curtain closes on their lives. Whatever Crane offers, as long as it's a consensual deal and no children are involved, the Regent probably won't even shrug over it. ]

[fallingsand]

Oh. Uh. Nope, just. Just that. Hiding in a wall, with rats.

[ Sorry, the shape-shifter was one of his nephews, not him, but he's reluctant to mention his family any further. It's a painful subject. He doubts it'll ever stop being one. ]

Kind of weird to have a place to stay that isn't full of 'em.

[entsetzt]

Understandable, if unfortunate, that they allow their zeal to colour events and their perceptions of the Regent. [This is why Crane stayed away from religion. Well, one of them. There are a multitude.] However, reading between the lines is a skill I have cultivated.

[He did legitimately earn that psychology degree, even if it was later revoked once his experiments on the Arkham population got out and his real career began in earnest.]

Xishen...yes, I do believe I have heard the name. Our most senior Aion. Where can she usually be found? In case I have any clarifications that I feel she could help me make.

Hm. The cost of books had already occurred to me, but I see I was right to be concerned. No matter. If I have need of a specific tome, I'm sure it's procurement could be arranged. [Which ties in nicely to the next phase of the conversation...]

It isn't my favourite line of work, but the money is reasonable, and makes my larger, more interesting projects possible. Gotham City had no shortage of junkies and the market for providers was always in flux. [Thanks to a certain caped crusader...] In this, I believe Achamoth will be very good for business, so long as I keep the Regent's few directives in mind.

[And of course, Crane's payment need not be monetary in that case, especially if the client has other skills that might be useful...and Crane has his eyes on a particular volume. As long as no one is hurt, especially a child, the Regent's not likely to bat an eye.]

[settingup]

[ What the fuck... That wasn't expected, especially on someone from team "end all existence".

He's quiet for a second, not sure how to take all of this, though he sounds slightly chastised even as he turns to sulking after. ]

I'm just a player. I ain't a coach.

[ He likes the game, but that doesn't mean he wants to teach others how to play it.

That attitude might change though when he gets desperate and realizes that if he wants to have any volleyball action at all, he has to teach others to play it, even if it's a group of sad orphans. ]

[settingup]

Atsumu or Miya works. Doesn't matter one way or another to me.

[settingup]

[ It doesn't help him make it up to her if she doesn't, but he doesn't really want that to happen to someone who is going to protect him either. ]

It's better if it doesn't happen at all, but I'll whip you up something edible enough if I gotta.

[settingup]

[ Martial power certainly would be easier for him. He's good at hitting things hard and fast mostly.

The way this guy talks though... it's got real villain vibes to it, but Atsumu is writing that off as best he can, because he's at least not purposefully riling the kid up like some of the others have. ]

I'll leave it to you if that's something you're good at.

[settingup]

[ W-why does he feel like such a jackass right now? ]

[settingup]

[ Probably for the best. Let him get freaked out by the Pleroma attacking first, he'll simmer down and cooperate better then. ]

I'll figure it out.

[ With help... when he caves and contacts Barnaby or some other Kenoma. ]

weeps my broken html....

[zauneyete]

Well, I had to be.

[ There's a shrug. ] One can't...inspire, or run a city, without learning to tell people what to do -- nicely.

[ That's fair Atsumu. He is a villain, but he doesn't think of himself as one. Gen thought the same thing, though so it's fine. ]

Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find something that will make you fit...right in with the rest of us.

[regressor]

[And then, as if he's the one doing her the big favor...]

... Thanks.

[fallingsand]

[ inspiration? ciel, are you suggesting he becomes a bard? ]

Oh, well. Sure. She'd be sneaky, manipulative, turning folks against one another for her own gain. I guess that counts as cunning? [ Although those are only traits that might be seen as "useful", awful though that may be. ] Only she's also greedy and thinks only of herself.

[ Less useful. It's an interesting idea, at least, if he could imagine a way to make it work. The thought that he can simply forge new gifts based on self-concept was still an odd one to wrap his mind around after having only one for the majority of his life. ]

Other cities... What are those like? Venera and Godsblood? Are they as big as this place?

[fallingsand]

Atsumu it is, then. Hi, Atsumu.

[baltimores]

I'd be surprised if there wasn't something there, the way he tried to avoid talking about it.

[ The way he'd choked out Himeka right in front of him to get him to talk, more like it, but really, who's counting here. ]

Even if it's something else? Or if their names are just coincidence? Doesn't mean it won't line up that way in the end.

[ If being Cain means killing Abel, then sure, he can be Cain.

It is kind of neat, in its own way. ]

[gravings]

My favorite restaurant... is probably a patisserie. I can show you where it is, if you like.

[ Give her the forbidden fancy desserts... ]

And yes, there are normal cats. Do you like them?

[expiera]

[Don't judge a book by its cover? Not all cats are black? You can be here without wanting to end the world? Just look at all the traitors and the depression gang! ...Wait, that is,]

A coach doesn't come out of nowhere, though. Aren't they often veteran of the sport too? They need to be intimately familiar with how the game is played and its rules to teach someone else, it'd be a good experience to deepen your own understanding of it too. Why don't you give it a try and think of it as practice, just done through a different angle? I'm sure the children here would be happy to learn. I confess I've never played volleyball myself, but I'll be happy to help you however I can. With setting things up for starters, maybe? There are many courtyards in the Citadel, I'm sure we can repurpose one close to the children's wing into a volleyball court.

[The longer she goes on, the easier it becomes. Geez... It's almost like high school again. But those are valid points, aren't they? And if she can convince him to start doing what he loves again here, which is honestly not difficult to achieve, then it'll be worth it. Taking a pointless tiny, comforting step back, to the blissfully ignorant normalcy he used to know.]

[expiera]

[ ...well, why NOT? ]

Someone mainly motivated by self interest is also easy to sway, if you know what they're after or can convince them what they want isn't worth the risk. There's a lot that could be of use there with a bit of imagination, I think!

[She thinks. She has no idea. But it's a start?

Oh, but back to more tangible things! She's happy to TLDR exposition at him, being a tutorial infodumper had always come to her naturally.]

Venera is to the west of here. A city of agriculture and arts, it's the breadbasket of Horos where most grains are growth. [The city's creativity has been largely stifled if not choked out thanks to the Regent's occupation, but that's a detail she doesn't need to tell Bruno straight up.] Godsblood is at the northwest corner of the continent, in a mountainous region right next to the sea. The seafood there is allegedly the best on Horos, it also has a focus on mining, smithing, and engineering. I think Achamoth has them both beat in number of population, but the atmosphere there are very different! [Thankfully, because do we really need every city to run off zealous death cult vibes, really?] Venera is peaceful and sleepy, Godsblood is outspoken and lively.

[Would be interesting to visit, wouldn't it?]

[expiera]

That would mean him and his brother were practically set up. It would be rather twisted.

["Fucked up". Imagine naming your boys after mankind's first murder and murder victim, sheesh. Did they even have parents, or were they hated that much and considered cursed at birth or something? Ciel has trouble imagining any sort of caring environment being simply okay with naming conventions like these, but that's neither here or there, nothing anyone can do in the present.

As for Amos' implication...]

...Mm. Time will tell.

[He wouldn't mind, he says. Of course; it's Amos, for better or worse. Better for Amos the Kenoma Aion, worse for Amos the man with a human soul and heart, no matter how badly he's been damaged along the way.]

Be careful if you bring out that side of him. I'd prefer handling it personally, but we may not always have the luxury of planning.

[Especially when Amos has made it very clear: he can and will dissipate Abel, if afforded the opportunity.]

[epiprocta]

[ Gen isn't blind to how he comes across to most people, especially now that he's down a limb and looking more worn than usual. His height, his posture, his tone of voice -- back home he'd calibrated everything to be off-putting and intimidating to most people, and those habits still hold strong. So when 'Carmine' barely bats an eye before acquiescing to his (frankly highly bullshit) demand ... he knows.

She's not just some normal woman, is she.

Maybe she can feel her skin prickling from the sharp stare that fixes on her for a moment. Then Gen ducks his head to dip the tip of his cigarette into the lighter's little ember, taking a puff so the flame will catch; once smokes begins to creep from the tip, he reaches forth to flip the lighter's lid back on, then takes it from her hand. ]

Something else'll kill me before cancer does. [ No 'thanks,' of course. And while Gen does bend down while he's already hunched over to fetch the heavy bag from where she'd put it down, it's not so he can carry it for her. His gratitude towards her extends exactly as far as handing it back to her so she can go back to hauling it around herself, after which Gen apparently considers them even, since he turns to begin walking once more. At least he keeps his pace slower for a few steps so she can catch up before he resumes his brisk, long-legged pace.

The cigarette's ember burns bright as he takes a long drag, and Gen holds it in his lungs for a moment, savoring the astringent bite, before letting the smoke plume from his lungs. Then he voices his next thought -- a demand, rather than a question. ]

So what's your deal, then.

[ His tone of voice implies, 'I know you have one. Don't bullshit me.' ]

[tohell]

A useful talent that not all are capable of possessing. [ In the hundreds of years he's lived, the demon has been subjected to watch as a great number of mortals foolishly summoned him to do their bidding yet thought they could break the ironclad contract and forego paying with their soul. They read the terms of his contract, yet often failed to heed the fine print interlaced with J's promises to fulfill their wildest dreams. ]

Parsing the value of words and differentiating between the valuable as opposed to the extraneous will benefit greatly in more than just your research, when even words here can pose something of a cutthroat exchange, if you're not careful. [ The demon may not admit to it, but with how J openly discusses this and many less savory topics, it would be easy to assume he lies within the selection of individuals here who tend to use words as weapons. They have been his most effective weapon for many an age. ]

That I couldn't say. I find she's the rather elusive type and not too prone to socializing on the daily. However, I don't imagine she'd avoid an arranged meeting if you posed a request with the Regent to speak with her in person.

If you'd prefer other channels, our more social butterflies here should be able to point you in the direction of her typical haunts. Ciel and Kaeya, to name a few. I believe Howl is also familiar with her to some extent. [ J recalls Xishen's search for him during the party thrown shortly after J's arrival, and how she had expressed a rather unique concern for his whereabouts. ]

Yes, it sounds like you and the very desirable niche goods you might supply its denizens will become quite the fixture in no time. Though as fun as all of that sounds, I do hope to have the opportunity to see your more refined works up and running soon.

[fallingsand]

[ because he's the one madrigal who doesn't sing, ciel! ]

Next to the sea... [ Oh. ] I've never seen a sea in person before.

[ This means there's an immediate interest in Godsblood, which is unfortunate since it's the farthest away and likely the most dangerous to make a trip to. Solo, anyway. Then again, he probably shouldn't travel anywhere on his own. ]

Venera sounds nice, too. If it's a farming city, it, uh. Might feel more like home, if I'm gonna be honest here.

[regressor]

[This woman understood this simple movement, from the sharp, over-saturated span of years when she had been neither Havoc nor Carmine nor any of the other code names she'd accumulated and then shed. In the back alleys and cheap motel rooms in that Romanian city she'd hidden from the eyes of those who recognized her from her past, she had learned well how to pour drinks for the already intoxicated, how to light men's cigarettes, how to do a lot of things. None of it bothered her, because she'd been alive to do it and capable of feeling anything she wanted to about it.]

I don't know... I heard it's really hard to actually die here...

[So it's smooth, despite the crooked fingers, holding it until the the light catches and he takes it back.

He actually did fool her with that move- interesting. Without complaint, she takes the bag back despite the obvious bit of struggle she has with it, she falls back in line behind him... and she thinks, hm. This one might not be worth it, if he was this suspicious but also this perceptive. She'd be gone by now if there weren't so few young people among the aions here in the Citadel.

But that's not the case, and when he asks... she looks at him (the side of his head), blinking a moment as if to ask "my deal?" before,]

... Here with the Kenoma? I do have powers, if that's what you're worried about.

[As if he was surely just concerned that a woman who looked like she did couldn't hold her own.]