Descent into Darkness

[bravenewmods]

As the characters arrive, they will find what appears to be a rather deep cavern. Upon entering, the caverns are quite narrow, with twists and turns everywhere and different tunnels that all seem to be interconnected. As characters travel deeper within the caverns, reality around them will start to warp, they will start to see and hear things that aren’t necessarily there - images of old enemies, past failures, voices of condemnation, visions that strike at the soul and core of the characters. Once this begins, it will only increase in power and volume, demanding it be confronted, lest they be trapped within these caves forever.

[OOC: This event will run for a week. All characters who enter the caves will be subject to some of their deepest fears, darkest demons, and most abject failures. To overcome them, characters must help each other out, finding their purpose through strength of character and resolve to move forward. In general, these visions should require characters to come to grips with themselves. Illusory images and voices can and will appear and can take any number of forms, depending on what is most appropriate to a character. Additionally, characters may thread with each other and are encouraged to help each other out to overcome these personal demons. For those who wish to take part, they are able and encouraged to narrate their own personal demons, which will be on display for everyone who enters their thread. IC threads may be made in this post.]

Comments

[bleeding_heart]

Who was that, just now? And... you're from Sanctuary, Waver?

[untalented]

With the cigar? I haven't a clue.

[Merrill could extrapolate however she wanted, but Waver was equally lost on that front.]

But...yes, I am. Yuuna figured me out on my first day in, too-- I'm surprised she didn't mention it. For the most part, I've been trying to keep it quiet from a lot of people.

[bleeding_heart]

That's strange... from the way he was speaking, it seemed like he knew you. Or thought he knew you. I don't think he really did.

[If only she knew.]

Yuuna did? Ah, well... maybe that's why.

[Merrill hesitates for a moment.]

...Waver? If you're from Sanctuary, does that mean you know about the blood magic they use there?

[untalented]

[It would be a mystery to them all.....]

--No, that was a surprise for me, [Waver muttered, looking uncomfortable.] It's the one thing that makes me glad that I couldn't get someone to teach me properly too-- I don't want to be involved in something quite like that.

Lives are important, but the dead deserve their respect too.

[bleeding_heart]

[Merrill lets out a sigh of relief at that, her posture relaxing.]

Good. I think so too. I was worried when I saw the Magi of Sanctuary using that kind of magic for things like that. I knew it could be used for that, but I'd never imagined anyone would really do it.

[Speaking as a practitioner of the art herself. Which she hasn't mentioned before.]

[untalented]

[The subtle intonations aren't lost on Waver. He looked up, curious.]

Merrill, are you saying that...?

[...He wasn't even sure how to finish the sentence. His own ignornance of the subject meant he lacked understanding of even the most basic words.]

[bleeding_heart]

[Merrill draws in a short breath before nodding.]

...Yes. I'm a blood mage too. But the way I learned it was very different then the Magi of Sanctuary, I'm sure.

[untalented]

Can't tell you one way or the other on that front, [Waver said, crossing his arms while he spoke. There was a tired but serious look in his eyes.] But if you're giving everything it's due respect, then it's got to be a better system.

[There was something viceral and bone chilling about the notion of blood magic. It was something he would never dare to learn, but he wouldn't disrespect a magus for their art.]

[bleeding_heart]

Well, I've never used it to do anything like that, at least.

[The very thought of it disgusts her. The Dalish have a lot of respect for both the living and the dead. Twisting them into something like that... it's unthinkable.]

[untalented]

I thought that might be the case, from what we've talked about all ready.

[He cast her a curious look.]

Do you mind if we talk about that some day? I'd like to hear about how it works for you.

[And, maybe, he could use some of the theories and apply them in ways that could potentially subvert any projects that the Magi had going on behind closed doors. While he knew that they were on the up and up with inter-city relations.....he didn't trust them.]

[bleeding_heart]

Of course. I'd be happy to. I'll even show you if you'd like.

[Merrill is generally appropriately cautious about this sort of thing, but once she's familiar with someone, she opens right up.]

[untalented]

...Maybe sometime in the future then, [he said, almost shyly.] Let's try to get back to the surface first.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh. Yes. We should probably do that. I'd almost forgotten.