Zhongli Ideal World: Session 3

[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

[childeishly]

[ erosion,
ah, that's all he needed to hear to hate this. ]

[ childe frowns at the piece of parchment floating in front of him, crossing his arms and looking thoughtful. his thoughts drift to all the work five and hades are putting into helping him that he wonders if they'll be able to help zhongli too. their problems are different, but ultimately they'll both lose themselves... just to different 'afflictions'. ]

[ he snaps back, blinking a few times as he looks at the bottom few lines. render him incapable of harming others. doesn't that sound delightful. ]

You could have just as easily said 'will you help Zhongli Xiansheng' instead of padding it with all of these unnecessary details. [ is he annoyed at a piece of paper because erosion? yes. yes he is. ] Of course I accept.

Childe

[leaveofabsence]

Congratulations, Traveler. You have been bequeathed with a [ Hydro Vision ] under the constellation [ Monoceros Caeli ]. You are also bequeathed an Electro Delusion. (???).

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 marketplace. )

[[ 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.
  
• Please give yourself +1 HP for having an Electro Delusion. Using the delusion gives you advantage (roll 2 dice and take the better result of the two) but you will also lose 1 HP every time you use it.
  
• 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

[heavyliesthecrown]

[ He kind of dislikes this already. He stares at the paper, frowning lightly at the wording. Words are important-- he knows that well, and the last comment leaves him more than a little concerned. But there's no choice if he wants to try and help him at all.

Stealing himself, he reaches out, dipping the brush in ink and neatly signing the paper with his signature. ]

There is nothing for it.

[ Of course, he will do what he can. ]

Tsukasa

[leaveofabsence]

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

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 marketplace. )

[[ 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.]]

Liyue: Marketplace

[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: Marketplace

[childeishly]

[ on his trip to the market he affixes his vision to his belt and tucks his delusion away for safekeeping. he stops a few steps in, craning his head back to look up at the sky and soak in the atmosphere. it feels like it's been forever since he's been in liyue, especially after he was asked to chase after scaramouche in inazuma. he sighs wistfully, almost heading straight for the northland bank out of reflex, because, wups, he got caught in a memory. ]

[ as soon as he spots zhongli he's going to head on over to wanmin. ] Zhongli Xiansheng~ [ going to act like everything's totally normal. ] You gave my spot away to someone else? I'm not *that* late.

Liyue Marketplace: Wanmin Restaraunt (Childe do not reply to this - reply to the next tag)

[leaveofabsence]

Upon nearing the restaurant, you will notice a very human-looking Zhongli and Childe sitting at a table, lacking in any sort of corruption that the Production has bestowed upon them as well as wearing attire that affiliate them both with different organizations. The aroma of delicious food wafts up from the table where various Liyue delicacies are being served and in abundance. Childe looks mournfully at a pair of chopsticks while Zhongli sips from his tea.

"Can I really not use a fork?"

To which Zhongli just raises an eyebrow from behind his cup as if the very mention of it was blasphemy.

For those with a discerning eye, there is a hint of blue ink on Zhongli's inner wrist and similar gold ink on the back of Childe's neck.

Your vision glows in this location.

Re: Liyue: Marketplace

[heavyliesthecrown]

[ The place is entirely unfamiliar, not like home at all, but the architecture is pleasing if old-fashioned. He's a little intrigued as he glances around. This sort of place is his home...?

There is little time to wonder about that, however, when he spots the person he was hoping to find in question himself! ]

Zhongli-san...?

[ He crosses over to the Wanmin Restaurant ]

I had wondered where I might find you. And here you are eating so casually.

Wanmin Restaraunt

[leaveofabsence]

Upon nearing the restaurant, you will notice a very human-looking Zhongli and Childe sitting at a table, lacking in any sort of corruption that the Production has bestowed upon them as well as wearing attire that affiliate them both with different organizations. The aroma of delicious food wafts up from the table where various Liyue delicacies are being served and in abundance. Childe looks mournfully at a pair of chopsticks while Zhongli sips from his tea.

"Can I really not use a fork?"

To which Zhongli just raises an eyebrow from behind his cup as if the very mention of it was blasphemy.

For those with a discerning eye, there is a hint of blue ink on Zhongli's inner wrist and similar gold ink on the back of Childe's neck.

Your vision glows in this space.

Also, there seems to be two Childe(s). The one sitting closest to Zhongli is very obviously Caeli.

Tsukasa, I did not know you were coming. Please ---

[ Zhongli points to a vacant seat ]

Join us.

[[ Sorry for the million and one edits ]]

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

[childeishly]

[ so childe's going to assume that these 'discrepancies' need to be murdered, because ofc he does. he'll consider himself some more later because selfish. ] Do we want to bother warming up against the Yaksha's or should we just barge into the Archon picnic and cause some panic?

Re: Mt. Aocang

[leaveofabsence]

[ A slight lilt to his grin ]

How rusty are you that you need a warm-up?

Erosion cleared: Liyue Marketplace

[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.

----

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.

Re: Erosion cleared: Liyue Marketplace

[heavyliesthecrown]

[ That happened. ]

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.

Re: Erosion cleared: Mt. Aocang

[childeishly]

[ THERE IS SOME IRONY TO THAT HIT THAT ISN'T LOST ON HIM. he crumbles along with everything else, collapsing to the ground in a pile of his own blood. thankfully he had the foresight to assume the worst, so he's revived to the bare minimum. he deactivates his delusion and uses his vision to clean the blood away. ]

I already know about you [ pet. ] friend, Xiansheng. [ gives him a tired smile. ]

Liyue Harbor

[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

[childeishly]

[ heading to the sus gate, because fishing is wholesome and pure. ]

Erosion cleared: Liyue Docks

[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 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.

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

[childeishly]

[ strolling up with kasa. this should be the last spot. elm 6 to see what needs to die. ] Did you want to start by making the offering?

The False Rite of Descension

[leaveofabsence]

From the skies, a woman descends, almost too radiant to look at head on. In fact, though you are clearly looking directly at her, she seems indistinct. Hazy. Like a dream or a memory that has faded around the edges. Of what you can make out, she is garbed in whites and indigo, glaze lilies tucked up in her hair, and walks the line of elegance and mischievousness.

The Lord of Geo Guizhong smiles - soft but ultimately sad as she holds out her arms to you in a welcoming gesture.

"Greetings, Traveler. I am Guizhong, Rex Lapis, Lord of Geo and God of Dust. Welcome to my Rite of Descension. Would you like to receive my blessing for another year?"

[ With your previous ELM rolls, Guizhong lights up like New Years fireworks. ]