Zhongli's Ideal World Session Out of Time

[idolpro]

"In his long life, he has met countless people, and shall meet countless more still.

As they say: the waters change course, but the mountains move not."

--The Raiden Shogun

Comments

OOC Objectives and Glossary

[leaveofabsence]

Objectives:
Zhongli is suffering from erosion - a disease that affects his memories and distorts his concept of reality. To pull him out of his ideal world, you will have to restore the world to its accurate perception. There are multiple paths to achieve this:

1. Find the erosion and restore each area of Liyue to what it should be rather than Zhongli's idealized version. Then the Rite of Descension will continue as normal.
   
2. Defeat the Geo Archon after the false Rite of Descension has started.
   
3. Defeat [ REDACTED ] after [ REDACTED ] event occurs.

Options 1 and 2 are ICly known to your character.

Glossary for Zhongli's Ideal World:

• Teyvat - the world Zhongli is from
  
• Liyue - the country/home city Zhongli is from. It is ruled by the Geo Archon
  
• Archon - god of one of the seven elements (pyro/fire, electro, hydro, cryo/ice, geo, anemo/wind, dendro/nature) and ruler of one of the seven nations of Teyvat
  
• Vision - eye of god; grants a human the ability to use one of the seven elements

Stats and Rolling

[leaveofabsence]

Link to stats sheet

Your character has the following stats and 2 HP. Unless otherwise stated, successful damage to your character will be 1 HP:

• STR (strength): For physical attacks
  
• SPD (speed): For dodging and acts of dexterity
  
• ELM (elemental mastery): For using elemental skills
  
• INT (intelligence): For getting additional context clues (historical or cultural)
  
• CHA (charisma): For getting extra dialogue out of NPCs

   HP: ♥ ♥

All stats start at 0, but you can adjust any stat as long as it is between the range of -2 and +2. You also have an additional 3 points to distribute.

We will use Zhongli as an example:

Base Stats:
   STR: 0
   SPD: 0
   ELM: 0
   INT: 0
   CHA: 0

Adjusted Stats (the numbers added up here should equal 0. You can adjust as much or as little as you want):
   STR: 1
   SPD: -2
   ELM: 2
   INT: -1
   CHA: 0

+3 Points to Distribute:
   STR: 2
   SPD: -2
   ELM: 2
   INT: 0
   CHA: 1

When using a stat, roll a 1d6 die plus your stat. 1-3 fails. 4-6 is a success. Natural 1 and natural 6 are considered critical failure and critical success even with modifiers. If the situation calls for it, additional flavor text will be added.

Introduction - Start

[leaveofabsence]

You wake up floating, feeling lightweight and free. There is nothing but beautiful golden-purple sunset sky above you and stars twinkling in the distance. Nothing below your feet but clouds too thick to see through. But you imagine the ground is somewhere down there, very very far below.

A flash of gold shimmers, and a rolled up parchment unfurls in the air in front of you. A small black inkwell and calligraphy brush appears off to the side. The script is neat and tidy.

"Erosion.

It is a terrible disease of the mind known to affect the long lived individuals of Teyvat; those affiliated with the element of geo being much more susceptible. It is a slow and gradual process - forgetting the name of a friend who has long since passed here or the exact date of an important event there. Steadily do memories and tethers to the realm crumble until nothing is left but a husk of the individual completely separated from reality.

Zhongli has been battling the onset of this malady for years untold. And even careful as he was, he too has succumbed to its grip. Fortunately, he is not yet completely lost to us, but without immediate intervention, I'm afraid that he will be.

Traveler, I do not know how close you are to Zhongli, but I can sense that you are at least acquainted. Enough perhaps to know that he would not want one of his power left alone to ravage the land. I offer you a boon, the power of the elements and a tool to help differentiate fantasy from reality to use as you see fit. In exchange, I request your promise that you will return Zhongli to his senses or render him incapable of further harming others.

Will you accept this contract?"

[[ OOC: For the contract signing, you are alone, but once you have landed in Liyue Harbor, you are free to interact with the other Ideal World runners as you see fit.

I don't think is qualifies for the out of time run, but I left it in there.]]

Re: Introduction - Start

[forgottenmercy]

[erosion, that sounds...bad.]

...I, ah, will...

Persephone

[leaveofabsence]

Congratulations, Traveler. You have been bequeathed with a [ Cryo Vision ] under the constellation [ Flos Labyrinthus ].

Your signature flashes golden as the parchment rolls itself back up, a gold ribbon tightly securing it before it disappears like so much stardust. A contract forged and sealed. Then you hear it - you feel it - the earth calling you pulling you down down down to the ground and welcoming you home. You can just make it out through the thinning clouds during your descent - a harbor city protected on all sides by tall, jagged mountains. The city of Liyue - Zhongli's heart and home.

If you do happen to glance back up toward the sky, you'll see a woman garbed in white and black armor, golden eyes piercing as she holds the contract in her hand.

"May the blessing of Celestia guide your path."

And thus, your journey begins.



Where would you like to land:

• The docks
  
• The marketplace
  
• The mountains overlooking the city
  
• The central pavilion where it looks like preparations for a ceremony are beginning

(For reasons, you cannot explain the mountains call to you.)

[[ OOC: If you have accepted the contract and the vision:

• You will get a +1 to Elemental Mastery. If you are already at +2, please put +1 in any other stat of your choice.
  
• Your vision will glow if you are near the source of the idiosyncrasies in Zhongli's ideal world. Roll ELM if you'd like to investigate.
  
• Consider yourself a master of your element and you may use it in any offensive, defensive or utility capability. You want a sword? A shield? Hydro surfing? It's yours!

If you have not accepted the contract, your stats remain unchanged.]]

Re: Introduction - Start

[gravitydefier]

[something about that term, 'erosion', sounds...familiar...but he cannot place it.]

...yes.

Xiao

[leaveofabsence]

Congratulations, Traveler. You have been bequeathed with a [ Anemo Vision ] under the constellation [ Alatus Nemeseos ].

Your signature flashes golden as the parchment rolls itself back up, a gold ribbon tightly securing it before it disappears like so much stardust. A contract forged and sealed. Then you hear it - you feel it - the earth calling you pulling you down down down to the ground and welcoming you home. You can just make it out through the thinning clouds during your descent - a harbor city protected on all sides by tall, jagged mountains. The city of Liyue - Zhongli's heart and home.

If you do happen to glance back up toward the sky, you'll see a woman garbed in white and black armor, golden eyes piercing as she holds the contract in her hand.

"May the blessing of Celestia guide your path."

And thus, your journey begins.



Where would you like to land:

• The docks
  
• The marketplace
  
• The mountains overlooking the city
  
• The central pavilion where it looks like preparations for a ceremony are beginning

(For reasons, you cannot explain the mountains call to you.)

[[ OOC: If you have accepted the contract and the vision:

• You will get a +1 to Elemental Mastery. If you are already at +2, please put +1 in any other stat of your choice.
  
• Your vision will glow if you are near the source of the idiosyncrasies in Zhongli's ideal world. Roll ELM if you'd like to investigate.
  
• Consider yourself a master of your element and you may use it in any offensive, defensive or utility capability. You want a sword? A shield? Hydro surfing? It's yours!

If you have not accepted the contract, your stats remain unchanged.]]

Re: Introduction - Start

[at_heart]

[ ...Nice way to wake up, and — something about the description of Erosion kind of nettles him, but he shelves it for the moment. ]

—Yeah. I'm down.

[ Ordinarily he would want to study a Mysterious Floating Golden contract, but he remembers the game tower and the sleeping bodies and the gas and the threat, so. ]

Let's get this party started.

Lupine

[leaveofabsence]

Congratulations, Traveler. You have been bequeathed with a [ Pyro Vision ] under the constellation [ Intrepidus Eques ].

Your signature flashes golden as the parchment rolls itself back up, a gold ribbon tightly securing it before it disappears like so much stardust. A contract forged and sealed. Then you hear it - you feel it - the earth calling you pulling you down down down to the ground and welcoming you home. You can just make it out through the thinning clouds during your descent - a harbor city protected on all sides by tall, jagged mountains. The city of Liyue - Zhongli's heart and home.

If you do happen to glance back up toward the sky, you'll see a woman garbed in white and black armor, golden eyes piercing as she holds the contract in her hand.

"May the blessing of Celestia guide your path."

And thus, your journey begins.



Where would you like to land:

• The docks
  
• The marketplace
  
• The mountains overlooking the city
  
• The central pavilion where it looks like preparations for a ceremony are beginning

( For some reason, you feel yourself drawn to the pavilion. )

[[ OOC: If you have accepted the contract and the vision:

• You will get a +1 to Elemental Mastery. If you are already at +2, please put +1 in any other stat of your choice.
  
• Your vision will glow if you are near the source of the idiosyncrasies in Zhongli's ideal world. Roll ELM if you'd like to investigate.
  
• Consider yourself a master of your element and you may use it in any offensive, defensive or utility capability. You want a sword? A shield? Hydro surfing? It's yours!

If you have not accepted the contract, your stats remain unchanged.]]

Re: Introduction - Start

[protectshisown]

[WELL THAT SOUNDS TERRIBLE.]

[Also what is this dream world scenario Zhongli-]

I accept?

Rye

[leaveofabsence]

Congratulations, Traveler. You have been bequeathed with a [ Geo Vision ] under the constellation [ Draco Equitem ].

Your signature flashes golden as the parchment rolls itself back up, a gold ribbon tightly securing it before it disappears like so much stardust. A contract forged and sealed. Then you hear it - you feel it - the earth calling you pulling you down down down to the ground and welcoming you home. You can just make it out through the thinning clouds during your descent - a harbor city protected on all sides by tall, jagged mountains. The city of Liyue - Zhongli's heart and home.

If you do happen to glance back up toward the sky, you'll see a woman garbed in white and black armor, golden eyes piercing as she holds the contract in her hand.

"May the blessing of Celestia guide your path."

And thus, your journey begins.



Where would you like to land:

• The docks
  
• The marketplace
  
• The mountains overlooking the city
  
• The central pavilion where it looks like preparations for a ceremony are beginning

( For some reason, you feel yourself drawn to the pavilion. )

[[ OOC: If you have accepted the contract and the vision:

• You will get a +1 to Elemental Mastery. If you are already at +2, please put +1 in any other stat of your choice.
  
• Your vision will glow if you are near the source of the idiosyncrasies in Zhongli's ideal world. Roll ELM if you'd like to investigate.
  
• Consider yourself a master of your element and you may use it in any offensive, defensive or utility capability. You want a sword? A shield? Hydro surfing? It's yours!

If you have not accepted the contract, your stats remain unchanged.]]

Mt. Aocang

[leaveofabsence]

Curling around Liyue Harbor is a mountain range that protects the city on all three sides not bordered by water. It is the perfect place for gods and immortals to overlook the daily lives of those they live to serve. It is also the perfect place for them to find rest and refuge to reflect on the past.

Within Mt. Aocang, there are three places to go:

The Table of the Archons: In the center of the mountains lies a lake, where an island fitted with a stone table, seven stone chairs and seven gold goblets preside. One seat is vacant, but it looks like Zhongli is saving a seat for a special person.

The Guardian Yaksha: High above the treetops and within the shadows of the mountain, you might spot a splash of vibrant color among the scenery. Use caution before preceding.

The Tree of Azhdaha: In the distance, you can see a beautiful tree, towering even over some of the nearby mountains. And it's not just its size that makes it peculiar.

You may also travel to: the docks, the marketplace, or the central pavilion.

Re: Mt. Aocang

[forgottenmercy]

[of course he's going to go to the beautiful tree. where else is he going to go?]

Mt. Aocang: Nantianmen (Azhdaha's tree)

[leaveofabsence]

The tree is as mesmerizing as it is massive - crowned in full bloom with gingko leaves and imbedded with Dragonfall crystal that pulses with the energy of geo. At the top of the tree, one large branch pulses brighter than the others. It shifts if one is to look away - changing from the cold ice of cryo to crackling electro energy.

Two figures are resting underneath the tree, one napping (Alexander) and the other (Persephone) enjoying a moment of quiet.

[[ ooc: Persephone, please do not comment to this, and comment on the one below. ]]

Re: Mt. Aocang

[gravitydefier]

[predictably enough, is going to go to the highest place he can. which is to say, high above the treetops]

Mt. Aocang:The Five Guardian Yaksha

[leaveofabsence]

Five yakshas does the Lord of Geo have - one of electro, hydro, pyro and geo. Uninterested in the daily affairs of mortals, they do not approach first. And sometimes they disappear from view all together. But they are here. And they are watching.

Sakura (the anemo Yaksha) sits at the highest vantage point, one hand rested on a raised knee as he watches over Liyue Harbor from afar.

Liyue Harbor: The docks

[leaveofabsence]

Welcome to Liyue Harbor - or specifically the docks. Here ships large and small moor at the piers to spread trade and commerce between Liyue and the rest of the world of Teyvat. Be sure to watch your step, because the docks are always bustling and you're likely to get swept away with the tide if you're not careful.

Within the docks, there are two places to go:

The Traveler's Gate: Between the two pillars framing the entrance (and not pictured) is a large circular gate which pulses occasionally with a blue energy. With every pulse, it seems a new visiting Traveler enters the harbor. How curious indeed. Even from this distance, you can see Zhongli there.

The Fishing Association: What's a harbor without fishing? Surely you have time for a little rest and relaxation. Surely…

You may also travel to: the marketplace, the mountains in the distance, or the central pavilion.

Re: Liyue Harbor: The docks

[at_heart]

[ ...Man this is a pretty place. But no time to waste. To the traveler's gate it is, even though he has a nagging feeling that talking to Zhongli right away isn't going to work. ]

Liyue Market

[leaveofabsence]

As expected of a hub of commerce, Liyue has a varied and busy marketplace. Shops of all types line the streets all the way up to the third story. Fancy yourself a new antique, a good meal, or to take out a loan from the Northland Bank, well — then you're certainly in the right place.

Within the market, there are three places to go:

Wanmin Restaurant: A quaint hole in the wall that boasts not only some of the best home-cooked food in Liyue but all of Teyvat. You will notice Zhongli has seated himself at one of the best tables in the house and is sharing a meal with someone.

Wanwen Bookhouse: Why do libraries and bookstores exist in rpgs? Well, that's why this one is here, too.

The Jade Mystery: Gacha. Gacha gacha gacha.

You may also travel to: the docks, the mountains in the distance, or the central pavilion.

Re: Liyue Market

[at_heart]

[ ........you sure travel fast there, Zhongli. ] [ He's gonna poke the bookhouse first, though. ]

Yujing Terrace

[leaveofabsence]

Welcome to the Rite of Descension. Every year, the Geo Archon graces the people of Liyue with their presence, offering words of wisdom and blessing for the coming year. How fortunate it was for you to arrive on this exact day.

Within Yujing Terrance, there are two places to go and one interaction point:

The Mileleth: Security seems pretty tight around here. It never hurts to put in a good word for yourself. Probably.

The Censer: It's a device used to burn incense. While you do not physically see Zhongli, his presence lingers around here specifically more than any other location.

Offerings to the Geo Archon: If at any point, you wish to make an offering to the Geo Archon, you may do so here. It is customary for everyone to offer a suitable gift or prayer.

You might also catch some familiar faces among the crowd - two people talking quietly off toward the side (Skylark and Valor) and a horse-dragon (Pentium) watching the growing pile of offerings with interest.

You may also travel to: the docks, the marketplace, or the mountains in the distance.

Re: Yujing Terrace

[at_heart]

[ Hey, Pentium isn't a horse-dragon! ] [ But also: the mileleth, he supposes...? Looking for — military.

Looking for............. himself. ]

Re: Yujing Terrace

[protectshisown]

[Well, Skylark is a smart young man, let's go see what he knows.]

Hey Lark, that you? [Real you???]

Cleaning the Erosion: Mt. Aocang

[leaveofabsence]

You hear Zhongli's voice on the wind as the world around you slowly petrifies. Buildings, people, and trees fade to grey as they turn to stone. Most don't see it coming. But some do as their faces freeze in dawning horror before they are overtaken. You alone remain untouched and living and breathing among the rock.

"No matter how weak the god, the power that flows forth when they are slain is beyond the strength of mortal coils to bear."

You exist in this broken world for one heartbeat. Two heartbeats.

Then the land shatters, knocking you to your feet, as everything around you crumbles to dust.

And the world is remade.

---



The stone table lies empty, save for one human-looking Zhongli sipping tea. Two other places have been set, but their spots are currently vacant.

Try as you might, you cannot catch sight of any of the yaksha except for one green blur who keeps to himself.

The tree stands proud and tall as ever, though now a stone tablet marks this as a place to be avoided.

"Life endures in Heaven and Earth thanks to the merciful Adeptus. On this site lies an evil dragon, please do not disturb it."

Congratulations, you have cleared Mt. Aocang of erosion.

Re: Cleaning the Erosion: Mt. Aocang

[gravitydefier]

[after the world is remade, will take a moment to bow his head in silence.]