calderamemes | TDM #6

Entry tags:

!mod post,
!tdm

TDM #6

ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

"The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs."

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

"Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions."

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU

SHADOW ELIXER an inky black liquid that seems to absorb light rather than reflect it. Grants temporary invisibility in darkness, but also makes the drinker whisper secrets unknowingly.

WIDOWS KISS A velvety red-black wine. One sip fills you with irresistible charm.

FOOL'S ECLIPSE A deep, glossy black drink with a golden swirl that never fully mixes in. Every sip tastes slightly different: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, sometimes oddly salty for no reason at all. After one drink, the drinker's speech becomes hilariously jumbled, replacing random words with completely unrelated ones.

BLURBERRY FIZZ A deep blue liquid that constantly fizzess with tiny silver bubbles. When poured, the bubbles briefly form random shapes: sometimes a cat, sometimes a shoe, sometimes... a tiny screaming face (but only for a second). The drinker will also hiccup tiny, harmless floating bubbles for five minutes.

VEIL OF MIDNIGHTA crystal-clear vodka cocktail with shifting black, shadowy swirls that never settle. Causes the drinker's shadow to detach and do whatever it wants for five minutes.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

"It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes."

You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white-capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray-hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with broken shells and torn seaweed, the glow of blue around it flickering like a dying flame. Beyond it, you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, its once-grand spiraling towers cracked and crumbling in places, encrusted with coral and debris from the destruction that came before. The streets are bustling, but an underlying tension lingers. Outside the bubble, merfolk swim, but some still bear the scars of battle, and the deep waters beyond are darker than they should be, as though something still lurks in the abyss. A sanctuary in the sea, one that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid in rebuilding what was lost. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you, the remnants of a catastrophe yet fully understood that bids you explore it.

Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. However, signs of destruction mar the once-thriving marketplace. Some windows shattered, stalls bearing scorch marks, and a few buildings reduced to rubble. The scent of cooking food still lingers in the air, but so too does the acrid smell of smoldering wood. Watchful guards keep an even keener eye out for pickpockets and opportunists in the wake of the recent chaos. Citizens go about their day, some with a newfound wariness in their eyes.

From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring ships transport people and goods, though repairs are ongoing in some areas. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers, where efforts to rebuild have begun in earnest. The Hearthstill, the main residential area, bears the scars of collapsed roofs and damaged homes, with families working together to restore what was lost. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means, has been hit the hardest, and aid workers scramble to provide relief to the displaced.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble-covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you, buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, but some are marred by cracks, with scaffolding and patches where reconstruction has begun. The backdrop outside the dome is a deep blue, but lingering shadows in the depths hint at what once emerged from below. People with gills on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin move with a determined purpose, their curiosity toward newcomers now mixed with cautious wariness. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

SOLEMN CELEBRATIONS

After the chaos and destruction, the people of Caldera come together to express their gratitude to the Visitors, whose sacrifices were crucial in summoning Vesper, the newly awakened star god. This event, though filled with warmth and appreciation, carries the weight of what is still to come.

In Salt Spire, the bubbled underwater city, the heart of the celebration takes place. The bioluminescent glow of deep-sea creatures lights the festivities, their soft illumination casting a peaceful glow on the gathering, even through the haze of darkness beyond. Tables are laden with treasures from all three cities—gifts of wood and stone carvings from Grey Ward, textiles and plants from Salt Spire, and intricate glass orbs from Heaven’s Bow. It’s a moment of unity, as everyone, native and visitor alike, celebrates their survival and the hope Vesper now represents.

Above the sea, in Grey Ward, a quieter but equally heartfelt celebration takes place. The city, normally known for its steady hands at rebuilding, hosts a gathering of its people and the Visitors who have come through. Lanterns hang from the buildings, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. Music from the land flows through the air; melodies of hope, of survival, of community. The people of Grey Ward offer their craftsmanship, beautiful wood carvings, practical tools, and heirlooms passed down through generations. Their gratitude runs deep, though they know the fight ahead will be long.

Heaven’s Bow, distant and high above the rest, holds its own subdued gathering. The people here are quieter in their celebration, reserved in their gratitude. Though they were not as directly involved in the summoning of Vesper, their support is evident in the delicate glass orbs they offer, each infused with starlight—a symbol of their unwavering faith. Their contribution may be less physical, but their presence and belief in the unity of Caldera is no less important.

In Salt Spire, the people raise their glasses high. "To those who fought to protect us," they toast, their voices rising in harmony. The people of Grey Ward join, their songs and music a reminder of the resilience of the land. Even Heaven’s Bow contributes with their delicate, glimmering orbs. The Visitors, new and old, are welcomed with open arms, gifted with tokens of appreciation. No one is excluded, for their presence, newly arrived or not, is valued deeply.

VESPER'S REQUEST

But, as the celebration continues, an undeniable presence looms at the edge of Salt Spire. Vesper, a massive, shadowy knight, the star god born of the Visitors’ sacrifices, stands apart from the merrymaking, watching quietly. His form, still flickering with the remnants of his connection to Triton’s darkness, is not yet fully settled. He speaks to the crowd, his voice calm, though tinged with the weight of what lies ahead.

"I was born of your sacrifices," Vesper says, his gaze sweeping over the Visitors. "I will not forget what you’ve given me. But our fight is not over. The darkness that birthed me still lingers, and Triton’s influence has not been erased. We must prepare. I will stand with you, when the time comes. And together, we will face what threatens this world."

The mood shifts slightly, a quiet understanding passing between the people. The celebration, while still joyful, carries the undercurrent of an impending storm. Triton’s return is inevitable, and though Vesper has emerged as a beacon of hope, his power is still growing. He will need the strength of those who summoned him, those who sacrificed for him, to confront the coming challenge.

As the night wears on and the festivities continue, the people of Caldera remain united in their shared resolve. The threat of Triton still hangs over them, but for now, they take this moment to honor the Visitors—those who sacrificed so much, and those who have only just joined the fight—and to strengthen the bonds that will be vital in the days to come.

Vesper welcomes conversation, yet it does not come naturally to him. His words are brief, precise—always tethered to his purpose, the reason for his existence. And therein lies his quiet concern: that something is missing. He yearns to connect, especially with the Visitors—the ones who gave of themselves so that he could become what he is now. A new star god. The light meant to stand against Triton’s encroaching darkness.

He speaks with certainty: he is the good that Triton once was, the lost brilliance of a god now twisted by corruption. But he does not wish to be merely a reflection of what once existed. He wants to grow beyond the shadow of the past, to forge an identity that is wholly his own. And so he seeks help—not only in understanding what he is but in becoming something more.

"Find memories," he says. "And craft new ones with me."

Memories of Triton’s past linger in the world, echoes trapped in places of significance. These must be sought out, for they hold the key to understanding Vesper’s origins.

SPECIAL QUEST: ASTRAL ECHOES

Vesper seeks the Astral Echoes, shards of violet light scattered across Caldera, each holding a fragment of Triton’s past. To understand himself and shape his future, Vesper asks the Visitors to retrieve them. This special quest will last the duration of the TDM, and will reward 400 Bones when turned in.

◾MEMORY ONE: THE DESCENT:

Near Salt Spire, a Violet Crystal Shard hums softly in an ancient ruin. When taken, it pulls the mind into a vision.

Triton falls, a streak of violet fire tearing through the sky to Caldera, a barren wasteland below. He crashes, sending stardust into the air, his form radiant with light, deep indigo skin marked with glowing lines, and eyes burning violet. He touches the earth, rivers of light spread, and the world begins to take shape.

But he is not alone. Aella, the sky, sweeps through the heavens, breathing life into the winds. Cordelia, the sea, shapes the waters and the depths. Terra, the land, molds the earth, forming mountains and valleys. And in the shadows, another lingers, a distant vision, hard to define, their presence felt but not fully understood. Together, they craft the new world.

"There will be law where there is chaos," Triton says. "Light where there is shadow. Justice where there is none."

The vision fades as the Violet Crystal Shard is given to Vesper. He holds it, feeling its pulse.

"He did not come to rule," Vesper murmurs, "He came to protect."

The shard dims, its purpose fulfilled. Yet its memory lingers, a quiet ember.

"Caldera was formless," Vesper whispers, "And they shaped it into something just."

He lifts his gaze, something stirring within him—understanding or perhaps the weight of his path ahead.

◾MEMORY TWO: THEM:

In a cave deep within Ignacia's Cradle, a faint Violet Crystal Shard pulses softly. When a Visitor holds it, they are pulled into a distant memory—one of doubt and rebellion.

The world is young, full of light and order. Triton stands with his companions—Aella, Cordelia, and Terra—shaping Caldera. But in the shadows, something stirs.

A figure, hard to define, stands apart. Their form flickers between light and darkness, their eyes filled with uncertainty.

"This world was meant for something more," they whisper, voice tinged with frustration. "Why does it feel so controlled?"

Triton watches them, sorrow in his eyes, but they step further into the shadows, their form dissolving, lost to doubt.

"Maybe it should burn," they murmur. "Maybe it should fall apart and rise again—wild."

The Violet Crystal Shard pulses as the figure vanishes into the darkness, leaving only the echo of Triton’s sorrow: "They were never meant to follow the order. They were always meant to fall into the shadows."

The memory fades, the figure still a mystery, their true nature lost in the shadows of the past.

◾MEMORY THREE: THE EXILE:

On the broken cliffsides near Grey Ward, a Violet Crystal Shard lies half-buried in the earth, its faint glow drawing the Visitor in. Upon touching it, a vision fills their mind—Triton stands, his form radiant with celestial light, yet his expression is one of deep sorrow and rage.

A shadowed figure, barely discernible, is ripped from the land. The figure’s volcanic home follows, both hurtling into the sky. The moon is born from their exile, the caldera formed in the center of the realm all that remains.

"You cannot do this," Triton’s voice shakes with grief. "They were meant to shape, not to be cast away."

The figure fades into the distance, and Triton’s grief transforms into fury. "They were not yours to remove," he says, the words heavy with loss.

As the vision fades, Vesper holds the shard, feeling the surge of sorrow deep within. He breathes in slowly, understanding the weight of Triton’s loss.

"I was not meant to be a reflection," Vesper murmurs. The echo of Triton’s voice lingers: "I should have protected them."

The memory settles into Vesper’s heart, shaping his resolve. The past will not bind him; he must grow beyond it.

◾MEMORY FOUR: THE LAST STAND:

At the foot of Cordelia's tower, the final Violet Crystal Shard rests upon the weathered steps. It lies half-hidden, barely visible to the eye, as if waiting for the right moment to be found. Only now, as the Visitors approach, does it reveal itself.

Triton stands before Cordelia, his violet glow dimming as his power fades. The air between them crackles with tension, and his voice trembles with disbelief:

"You would strike me down, Cordelia?"

Cordelia stands tall, her sorrow evident but her resolve unshaken. "You leave me no choice."

With a final, desperate lunge, Triton reaches for the stars—the same stars he had once shaped—but they remain silent, indifferent. Cordelia’s blade pierces his chest, the sound of shattering power filling the air as Triton’s body cracks into violet shards, scattering across the land.

His final words echo through the vision, filled with regret: "Was I wrong?"

The vision fades, and Vesper stands on the steps, his hand still holding the shard. The weight of Triton’s question lingers, heavy in the silence.

Vesper’s breath catches, the sorrow of the moment settling deep within him. "He was more than just a fallen god," he whispers, his gaze searching. "He was a part of this world—his doubt, his pain. And it shapes me now."

The shard pulses one last time, and Vesper knows this memory is not just a reflection of the past—it is a part of his own journey, one that will lead him to forge his own path.

CHOOSE [HIS] DESTINY

When all shards are given to Vesper, he stands in silence, the weight of Triton’s past pressing upon him. Then, he speaks:

"I was born from a fractured god. But I am not him. The past shapes me, but it does not define me. So I ask you—what will I become?"

Visitors may influence his choice:

◾Option 1: Embody Triton’s Lost Virtues

Vesper embraces Triton’s virtues of justice, wisdom, and light, becoming a beacon of hope for Caldera. This choice grants him the strength of a god, with a deep understanding of the weight of justice. He will fight against the corruption Triton once embodied, drawing on the wisdom of the past to prevent its recurrence. "By standing for what is just, I will be ready to fight against what Triton has become."

Option 2: Forge a New Path

Vesper rejects the past, creating his own identity free from Triton’s shadow. This choice grants him freedom and strength, allowing him to reinvent himself as a new kind of star god. He will fight against Triton’s darkness, symbolizing the triumph of free will over legacy, and gaining the power to face both external and internal battles.

"I will not be a shadow of what came before. I will become something stronger."

Option 3: Balance Light and Shadow

Vesper accepts both the brilliance and downfall of Triton, walking the path of balance. This choice gives him the strength to wield both light and shadow, allowing him to understand Triton’s corruption and fight it from within. Vesper’s knowledge of both sides of existence will make him resilient in his battle against Triton’s darkness.

"I will fight with the strength of both light and shadow, knowing each part of me is necessary to stand against the darkness."

Once the Visitors make their choice, Vesper will stand in silence, the decision settling within him. He is no longer just the fractured god he once was, but something whole—ready for the battle ahead. Triton’s darkness still threatens Caldera, but Vesper is stronger, more prepared, and more determined.

"Thank you," he will say. "With your help, I’ve chosen my path. When the time comes to face Triton, I will bring the light he lost—or create something new to stop his darkness."

[With Vesper's awakening, shadow abilities have been unlocked for the Undine faction]

QUESTBOARD

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's sixth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

To Choose Vesper's Path, please state which option you would like to choose here. prospective players are encouraged to weigh in!

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

The following pages have been updated:

◾Additional rewards have been added under the Undine section of the rewards page.

◾Vesper has been added to the NPC page.

Have fun, Visitors!

main navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

arrival

Viktor is certainly confused when he wakes up somewhere unfamiliar. As he speaks to the tavernkeeper, his mind races, trying to make sense of it- did he fall asleep in the lab and get transported somewhere else by the hexcore? The tavernkeeper explains everything patiently, despite Viktor’s endless questions. Unfortunately, they can’t seem to tell him the specifics and logistics of inter-dimensional travel, which is a shame, but there is one particular answer that does comfort him.

He’s offered a drink, and at first he refuses, but after sitting there for a bit, he decides why not. “Surprise me,” he says, without much enthusiasm, and is served something very dark with a swirl of gold in it. Viktor picks up the glass, swirling it right in front of his face, curiously examining the golden shimmer.

Perhaps drinking this strange liquid is a bad idea, but he hasn’t got much to lose anymore, so he takes a sip. His face curls with disgust- oh, so bitter. Why would the nice tavernkeeper serve him this? But upon a second curious sip, it’s sweet. Hm? Well, he must try another, to keep the experiment going, and this time it’s salty. Hmmmmmmmmm…

If you’re near him, he may be peering at your drink as well, seeing if it’s the same as his. He may also be watching your face to see what your reaction to its flavour is, yet he doesn’t say anything.

salt spire

Viktor chooses the undine portal- of course he does. He has a drive to uncover life’s mysteries and make advancements that will help people, and it’s not like that drive completely disappears in a new world, despite his disorientation and current air of hopelessness. Salt Spire seems to have seen better days- something terrible must have happened here. Based on his deductions about the rubble, there was probably some kind of earthquake. However, the place is amazing- he’s never seen anything like it. An entire city underwater? How does it work?

While he’s not very mobile these days, he can’t help himself from wandering around. Perhaps you find him staring at some of the healers helping someone with a minor injury, in awe of their hands aglow. Perhaps you’ll find him at fogbottom docks, looking entranced by the magical air bubbles used to transport goods and people. Or perhaps you’ll find him in the library, where he feels most at home, hobbling around the stacks or with his nose stuck in a book.

He spends far too long at the library, because of course he does, and by the time he leaves, it’s dark and he’s exhausted. It seems he overdid it with all of this exploration and study, and he stops on the street, coughing violently into a handkerchief. A wave of dizziness hits him, and he sways on his crutch, looking around for somewhere to sit down. Seeing a bench, he stumbles toward it, though he could probably use a hand to keep him from falling.

vesper’s request

At the celebration, Viktor is distracted by the shadowy figure on the edges of the crowd. What is that?! Eventually, the giant shadowy man speaks, but what he says is still so vague that it seems like a riddle. He turns to someone nearby, pointing at the star god, speaking quietly in confusion.

“Who is that?”

questboard- accessibility?

Eventually, the gaunt man can be found at a questboard, leaning heavily on his crutch and reading intently, stroking his chin in thought. These all sound very interesting, but he’s unsure if he’ll be able to physically do them. After reading for a while, he sighs, looking to whoever else is also browsing the quests.

“I would like to help, but all of these seem to involve a lot of… Travel.”

Just looking at him, it’s obvious why he’s concerned- he wears a brace on his leg, has a limp when he walks, and looks generally weak and tired.

wildcard

[ooc: Hello, I'm Drew, existing player but this is a brand new character I am voicetesting! Be gentle with me pls <3

If you’d like something else with Viktor, feel free to throw a prompt at me or message me on discord (drewey.decimal) or plurk

decimalplaces]

"You look like shit."

It's said cheerfully, without much bite to it, and accompanied by Tabris sliding up next to the guy, grabbing his arm with the solid strength of a lifelong warrior. The guy looks like he weighs about as much as Tabris' axe, and she's pretty sure she could pick him up if necessary -- though he'd probably look down at being swung around like her axe.

She'd come down here out of pure curiosity, to see the underwater bubble. A kind of magic like she'd never seen before, in Thedas or Panem. It's very interesting, enough that she'd been walking with her neck craned up, and it was only the chest wracking cough that had caught her attention to the sickly-looking man.

"C'mon, buddy. I gotcha."

Shock passes across Viktor's face as he's grabbed, his eyes widening and lips parting. He's not used to being touched, except by Jayce, and almost yanks his arm away The problem is that if he does that, he'll probably actually fall.

"Ah, thank you, how very kind," he says dryly with a roll of his eyes. His voice is quiet and lilted with an accent, though, so it doesn't have a bite to it, either.

He has little choice but to accept the help, with the state he's in. It's not like she's the first do-gooder to see a disabled man and try to swoop in and help or save him, so Viktor is a little more unimpressed than appreciative.

They make it successfully to the bench, and he awkwardly guides himself down, his braced leg sticking out straight even as he sits. He leans forward, still gripping the crutch, and coughs again. Perhaps the dim light and his sleight of hand will be enough to hide the blood on the handkerchief, but considering how stained it is by now, probably not.

"That's me. Kindest motherfucker around. I got awards and trophies for my charity. They talked about a statue, and I was like 'Guys, please. At least wait until I'm dead.' But it turns out they're waiting until I'm dead to make me a saint, so..." She chatters mindlessly as she walks with him, careful despite everything, and once he's safely deposited in the bench, she trails off whatever nonsense she was saying and takes a step back.

Just as she's about to appraise him for further damage, he starts coughing again, and that answers that question. Whether or not she can see the blood, the guy looks, as she had already noted, like shit.

"Do you want me to go grab one of those fancy magic healers they got over yonder?" She jerks her head to where she'd noted one of the areas set up for healing. She's pretty sure she can drag one of them over. "Or we can just hang out for a bit, if you need it. I'll tell you all about my statue."

That's a joke. Probably.

Wow, she has quite the mouth, both for volume of words and their filth. Viktor gives a weak, dry chuckle at her sarcastic monologue... In between coughing, of course.

He waves a hand at her offer of getting a healer, shaking his head.

"No, no... I doubt there is much they can do."

He isn't sure what kind of healing magic they have here, but the tavernkeeper told him they wouldn't be able to cure his illness in Caldera. Likely, the most a healer could provide would be a temporary relief of certain symptoms, and Viktor doesn't want to cause a fuss.

"I just... Need to rest for a minute."

He'd love to insist that he's fine and she can go on her way, but he's passed out in the lab one too many times to feel like that would be honest.

"Do tell me more about this heroic statue. What will you be a saint of? Escorting old ladies and crippled men across the street?"

"There's usually a wide variety of difficulties," says the man beside him. Depending on what the newcomer is used to, Zevlor might be slightly alarming to look at, what with the horns and the tail and the glowing eyes. His smile is friendly, though.

"I feel as though I should be doing more of these. I've been shirking them the last month, getting things together at the farm." He's about to say he should be doing more that involve actively fighting, but then he takes a look at the man next to him and his expression turns thoughtful.

He doesn't look like he's in any condition to battle monsters, frankly. Although looks can be deceiving. "Can you ride a horse?" He asks. "I have one, he's quite stolid and well-trained. Could easily carry you to Berry Burrow or anywhere else in the vicinity of Grey Ward."

There are lots of different sorts of people in Piltover, and especially so in the Undercity where Viktor grew up, so the man's appearance isn't too alarming. There is much to take in aside from his appearance- the man is friendly, and speaks in a soft and articulate way. He owns a farm, apparently, and a horse that he rides. Piltover mainly uses horses to draw carriages, and Viktor was never rich enough for one of those.

"That is a kind offer. I have never tried... I am not sure I could even mount it myself." Viktor has no idea if it would be possible to mount or ride with a useless and stiff leg, but it sounds likely to be mortifying, either way.

These particular looks are not deceiving; Viktor is in no shape to fight, and he has no Hextech here, no magic, no special abilities. He doesn't even have his lab notes or files. He is a sick, dying man- a very smart one, but what is problem-solving worth if you can't get to the place with the problem? He worries his contributions would be more of a burden than a help.

"I don't want to slow anyone down."

"Well...it sounds as though there would be a learning curve." He still thinks Asta would be safe enough to carry this man, although Anthem's horse is younger and feistier and might not be a good match. "Still, worth considering. If I had a carriage, I'd offer, but it never even occurred to me."

Turning to face him fully, he shakes his head in a reassuring way. "No one here has the exact same skillset or ability levels. We can either assume the faction leaders are bringing people in on purpose with an eye to a mix of talents, or we can assume they're just abducting everyone they can reach at random, but either way we're all in this together. No one's going to be able to save the world alone."

He offers a handshake. "My name is Zevlor. I'm more of an old soldier than anything else, but if I can be of service, I'm happy to accompany you on a quest or two."

Viktor nods. He will consider it. The transportation here is quite similar to Piltover- an abundance of magical ships, mostly, but there is little to substitute walking for long distances, and many of these quests involve trekking to dangerous locations that Viktor wouldn't be able to withstand anyway. For example, the magical spring water is of great interest to him, but there is no way he could traverse a hot and smoky cave without passing out from coughing or dehydration.

He's reassured by what Zevlor says, about everyone having different skillsets. It makes him feel a little less dejected.

"I am... Out of my element, at the moment. Back home, I am a scientist and inventor. I hope those skills come in handy at some point." And if he can manage any of the quests... Well, the magical faction powers sound incredibly enticing.

He shakes Zevlor's hand, his own fingers long and slender and perhaps noticeably more dextrous and graceful than... The rest of him.

"I'm Viktor. That would be very much appreciated, Zevlor." He looks back at the quest board.

"Perhaps one with underwater swimming might be easier? Like this kelp forest request..." He pokes the posting. His braces could weigh him down, but he could always take off his leg brace- moving through the water might be easier than trudging around with a crutch. It sounds, perhaps, freeing, like when he and Jayce disabled gravity in one of their experiments and ended up floating around.

Rolan storms from his room shortly after Viktor, following the human down the stairs intent on giving whoever kidnapped him a piece of his mind. He had very important business to attend to in Baldur's Gate, and the fact that he couldn't even conjure up dancing lights was beyond belief. Who did this? What had they done to him to block his magic?

Impatiently he waits as Viktor asks his questions, the scowl on his face growing deeper with every passing second. Not because of how long Viktor was taking - almost every question out of the man's mouth was one Rolan would have asked himself- but because of the lack of answers he was receiving. It was frustrating to no end to hear vague dismissals and empty platitudes, and by the time Viktor was done, Rolan was ready for a drink himself.

"This is absolutely inexcusable, bringing us here without permission and offering little answers in return," he growls as he takes a swig of his drink, then immediately recoils, his face scrunched tight from how sour the pretty black and golden liquid is. "Eugh! And this drink is just as bad! What in the Hells is in this thing?"

Viktor can't have helped Rolan's impatience, with the way he hobbled down one stair at a time with his crutch and took his time to process everything the tavernkeeper said. One question Viktor asked, quietly but still possibly loud enough to be overheard by Rolan, was what happens to Visitors who have a life-threatening illness. The tavernkeeper's tone turned knowing, and comforting, as they told Viktor that no Visitors here will die from illness, but some illnesses from previous causes could not be cured. Viktor's reaction to this wasn't particularly readable- he simply nodded and moved on to his next question.

Now that it all has sunk in a little, he is placid water against Roland's fiery frustration. He seems almost tired, perhaps a little depressed, his thin frame slouching against the bar, the chair, and the crutch that he still holds onto.

"Mmm," Viktor hums, considering his drink. "I suppose their cause is noble, but it is a little... Inconvenient." He speaks quietly, mildly, with a lilting accent.

As Rolan recoils from the drink, Viktor curiously takes another sip, finding it sweet this time.

"It is better on the second try," he suggests, for now assuming it was just the shock of the strange flavour that made it so off-putting on the first sip, an acquired taste. That he is acquiring very fast...?

"It's the same damn problem I was already dealing with back home," Rolan spits, happy to be angry enough for the pair of them. Inconvenient feels like an understatement when he'd barely had a chance to take stock of his tower and destruction surrounding it. "At least in Baldur's Gate, I had the resources to deal with it. How do they expect me to be of any use when I can't even cast a simple cantrip?"

The grumbling continues as he takes a second sip from the drink, cautious of the flavor this time. It's not sweet, but... it doesn't taste horrible, either. It's bitter, like a red wine, and that mollifies his bad mood somewhat.

"If they had just asked, I'm sure we could have worked out a teleportation spell between our worlds. It's not like Faerun isn't full to the brim of adventuring types who'd be happy to lend a hand." Shooting a glance to Viktor, he adds, "You asked about teleportation, I heard. Are you a wizard as well?"

Viktor doesn't seem phased by Rolan's anger, but when the tiefling says cast a cantrip, something shifts. Viktor perks up slightly, his eyes now fixed on Rolan as he listens more intently.

So Rolan is a magic user, perhaps with an innate ability or talent for it, and not only that, but he is from a place where teleportation spells can be cast by individuals... Viktor is intrigued, to say the least, a bit of awe showing on his face.

"No-- No, I--" he stammers for a moment, like he's a little caught off-guard by the question needs to find his bearings in the conversation.

"I am a scientist. An inventor. But my current interest is in the arcane- blending science, engineering, and magic to create useful tools that can help people. My partner and I call it Hextech. We invented the Hexgate, a teleportation device used for shipping in our city."

But back to Rolan. Even the strange drink is no competition for Viktor's attention now that he's met a true mage.

"But you are a wizard? Spells... Incantations from books? Or is the magic innate to you?"

Rolan didn't bring up his vocation to be admired, but having Viktor's full attention does make him preen just a little. He straightens out of his sullen slouch, holding his head a little higher as his scowl is replaced with a confident smirk.

"Indeed, I am a wizard," he intones, bowing towards Viktor with a flourish of his hand. "You have the honor and privilege to be speaking to Rolan of Elturel, Master of Ramazith's Tower. There's no greater prodigy on the Sword Coast, I assure you."

"For me, magic is an innate ability I've had from a young age, one that I've honed with countless hours of study and practice," he continues, swirling the his drink so that golden shimmer dances through inky black. "There's still much for me to learn, of course. The majesty of Mystra and the arcane is truly a never-ending well of knowledge, but I must say, your invention intrigues me. My tower has arcane cannons which I've recently reconfigured to fire Hellfire using Infernal Iron parts crafted by a blacksmith friend of mine. What method are you using to channel the teleportation spell?"

Well, it's immediately clear that this man is even more egotistical than Jayce, which makes the corner of Viktor's mouth twitch ever-so-slightly with wry amusement.

That smirk quickly dissipates in favor of another focused, intent expression as Rolan explains his magic. There are a few words he's unfamiliar with, but overall it's intriguing to hear how use of the arcane is both similar and different for Rolan.

"Not a spell, per se. We use gemstones as an arcane power source, and runes to manipulate their energy in predictable ways. The Hexgate is designed as a vertical channel, extending over 200 feet below ground, that focuses the energy into a beam. Above ground, that beam is directed at a ship, teleporting it wherever it needs to go." He speaks articulately in his accent, moving his hands gracefully as he describes the Hexgate.

"You said... Arcane cannons?" There's a hint of worry, there, in his expression.

Viktor | Arcane | Undine

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