Zhongli's Ideal World Session 2

[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. ]]

Re: Introduction - Start

[586]

[ stares at this wizardry. ]

...

[ he's not sure how much he can help, but ]

I accept.

Re: Introduction - Start

[outofoffice]

[ Giving the parchment a wry look, not that anyone is around to see.

The nerve of a piece of paper offering him his own powers--!!! ]

But if we would do this even without the contract?

Re: Introduction - Start

[scattershot]

[Honestly, Alisaie heard "Zhongli" and "malady" and "lost to us" and everything else was just background detail she would think on more closely later.]

Yes...!! Of course!

Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it.

Re: Introduction - Start

[sagescion]

[Reading the missive carefully or... contract, as it were?]

Yes, I accept.

Re: Introduction - Start

[inspiteful]

[ So like. As soon as he sees the word 'contract' he makes a point of rereading the whole thing again, like a reflex.

Looks up at the sky.

Looks down at his feet.

...It's probably a pretty long fall from this height...

In the manner of someone used to writing with one, he takes a brush and signs his name, 'Gracious Skylark'. ]

Re: Introduction - Start

[firstworldproblem]

And why does it have to be binding? Especially when I don't even know if the task is an achievable one.

Re: Introduction - Start

[pyromagiac]

[ looking around briefly, before looking down at the contract . . .

she's going to sign her name, yes ]

Yujing Terrance

[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.

Doppleganger: Pentium

[leaveofabsence]

The edges of the world fade around you as you suddenly come face to face with yourself. The sound of the other Travelers and Liyue harbor become indistinct. Your doppleganger bows in a standard Liyue greeting, posture too perfect and movements too precise, making it seem uncanny for a moment.

[ "So this is a festival. Fancy." ]

A gaming menu also flickers to life in front of your eyes:

Please choose one upgrade:

• Details: You may ask your doppleganger questions until you get one answer that will assist you in repairing Zhongli's erosion.
  
• Ascend: You may add +1 to any stat (following the rule that it does not exceed +2).
  
• Refine: You will be healed to full health or can choose to be revived to 1 HP should you fall to 0 health.

[[ Disclaimer: You may get an upgrade from your doppleganger only once. Should the area your doppleganger exists in be cleansed of erosion, you will still be able to interact with them. ]]

Doppleganger: Skylark

[leaveofabsence]

The edges of the world fade around you as you suddenly come face to face with yourself. The sound of the other Travelers and Liyue harbor become indistinct. Your doppleganger bows in a standard Liyue greeting, posture too perfect and movements too precise, making it seem uncanny for a moment.

[ "Well this isn't the weirdest thing to have happened. Here, let me give you this." ]

A gaming menu also flickers to life in front of your eyes:

Please choose one upgrade:

• Details: You may ask your doppleganger questions until you get one answer that will assist you in repairing Zhongli's erosion.
  
• Ascend: You may add +1 to any stat (following the rule that it does not exceed +2).
  
• Refine: You will be healed to full health or can choose to be revived to 1 HP should you fall to 0 health.

[[ Disclaimer: You may get an upgrade from your doppleganger only once. Should the area your doppleganger exists in be cleansed of erosion, you will still be able to interact with them. ]]

Re: Yujing Terrance

[586]

[ so he has a sort of... goal. find some soup or a flower or both. he's going to trot on over to the mileleth. ] I'm looking to make the perfect offering to the Geo Archon. Where can I find Glaze Lilies and Bamboo Shoot Soup?

Re: Yujing Terrance

[inspiteful]

[ Okay, cool.

...As much as he has Questions about why Valor is also here, he'll go to the Censer first, since...for some reason he can feel Zhongli there? ]

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

[sagescion]

[Forget everyone else he could be asking questions of right now. He is immediately making a beeline for Zhongli at the Traveler's Gate!!]

Zhongli!

[He really does want to stop and take in the sights next, but first thing's first.]

Re: Liyue Harbor: The Docks

[scattershot]

[Alisaie's first move is to try and find something to stand on, as is advisable when you are small, in a strange place. and trying to avoid any close encounters with the edge of a dock and, from there, the water.

[She's also, once she gets up there, going to be playing a hunch.]

Alphinaud?

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.

1/2

[outofoffice]

[ Well -- if he goes for a little bit of a joy flight, just for a few minutes, real life Zhongli wouldn't blame him, right? What's a time limit, anyway?

Maybe he just wants to experience it again, just for a little bit.

After that's out of his system, he descends closer to the mountain tops. ]

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

[pyromagiac]

[ BOOKHOUSE.........................

oh but she should probably talk to zhongli first. wanmin restaurant please ]

Erosion cleared: Liyue Harbor docks

[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 docks look much as they did before - minus the massive inter-dimensional gate, of course. People bustle about the ships, moving cargo and checking goods as they are packed on wagons and brought into the city proper. However, there are no more Travelers, no more idols, no more people from another world.

Zhongli (sans horns and HSS attire) looks out over the harbor from a high vantage point, hands clasped behind his back. He watches a particularly ornate set of vases pass by before raising his gaze up and across the water.

"Have I too finished my duties?"

Congratulations, you have cleared the docks of erosion.

Re: Erosion cleared: Liyue Harbor docks

[586]

NO YOU HAVEN'T.

Erosion cleared: Yujing Terrance

[leaveofabsence]

Like before, the world petrifies around you. People freeze in mid-action as the stone consumes them before shattering into so much dust that scatters to the wind.

And the world is remade.

---



Well, some god was supposed to descend from the Heavens today, but not like this. One noodle dragon falls to earth with a distinct splatting sound.

When the dust clears, you see the dragon lying dead upon the table of offerings. Around you, people panic and scream about the death of Rex Lapis, the god and protector of Liyue for over 3,700 years.

At the edge of the Pavilion, you catch a glimpse of Zhongli who watches all of this with a blank expression before slipping back into the chaos of the crowd.

Congratulations, you have cleared the Rite of Descension of erosion.

Dragon Zhongli is now out of play.

1/idk

[586]

[ uhhh. ]

Erosion cleared: Mt. Aocang

[leaveofabsence]

Like before, the world petrifies around you. People freeze in mid-action as the stone consumes them before shattering into so much dust that scatters to the wind.

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.

Erosion cleared: Liyue marketplace

[leaveofabsence]

Like before, the world petrifies around you. People freeze in mid-action as the stone consumes them before shattering into so much dust that scatters to the wind.

And the world is remade.

---

You can still see and hear the sounds of the market all around you: the owner of the Jade Mystery beckoning you to try your luck, a young scholar purchasing an old tome for their research, the sizzle of a stir fry freshly plated. And Zhongli, still looking human and garbed in his coat of browns and golds, wanders down the street.

He stops at a booth selling an array of antiques, eyes lighting up as he examines a set of chopsticks printed with a dragon and phoenix design. He begins speaking at length of its history and cultural significance before turning to the side—

Only realize that there is no one there.

He blinks once, slow and steady, before glancing back to Wanmin restaurant, but whatever he is looking for, it seems he cannot find it. He thanks the merchant for their time before continuing on his way - heading toward a performance from one of Liyue's local poets who is currently retelling one of the tales of Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon.

Congratulations, you have cleared Liyue Market of erosion.

ENDGAME??

[leaveofabsence]

[ Look, I had this nice thing typed up for endgame, but you can just find Zhongli at Wanmin slightly traumatized by everything and having tea with Emet Selch.

That's your end game for those that are alive and want to talk to Zhongli. ]

Re: ENDGAME??

[inspiteful]

[ ]