SIDE QUESTS

[beleos]

SIDE QUESTS

The world of Kenos has many mysteries to explore, and not all of them are directly tied to the ongoing plot of Meridian and Zenith struggling against each other to claim the Oracles. This page is for compiling what could effectively be called side content for the game, but these are all chances to explore the world of Kenos and have some unique opportunities to discover hidden lands and secrets, gain boons or treasure, or just deepen your CR! To be clear, these are all separate from Lore Quests and are posted as areas get added and/or Loremasters get ideas for quests.

Because these quests aren’t part of the overarching plot, they’re effectively “missions” that characters can choose to undertake and the exact way the mission plays out is up to you! Consider these more prompts for threads or open logs, but with a bonus of being able to receive something IC for the effort. For an example of how this might work, see here (at least until we get some side quests done). Sometimes this may be a magical item, or other times it might be a curse! Not every side quest you undertake has universally good outcomes, after all. Any quests with significant risk will be clear about that risk!

OOC, you’ll comment under a side quest to “claim” it by noting all participating characters, then once your thread/log/etc. for this mission is complete, you’ll return here to turn it in. Loremasters will then tell you the further rewards + outcomes. As a note, you can only have one active side quest per character at a time. If you decide that you don’t want to do the quest anymore, just delete your comment. If you run into an issue with completing it (such as the other party dropping), just get in touch with the mods and we’ll work it out with you.

So, without further ado, get to questing!

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Comments

(frozen comment)

[beleos]

Hello my intrepid group of explorers (#2)! Here's what your group will encounter. As mentioned, you can choose which order they occur in as well as the consequences of how they might play out. These are broad to allow for creativity!

Minor/Moderate Obstacle

The Beyond has areas where the terrain appears one way but is actually different, such as illusions that create false pathways or hiding places. The group may need to be cautious and use their skills and tools to uncover the true nature of their surroundings.

Difficult Obstacle

In a body of water, they'll find a siren who will attempt to grab and drown anyone that comes close to the murky water.

Point of Interest

A network of caverns filled with beautiful crystals that glimmer in the light. If dropped or hit with a similar amount of force, the crystals explode.

Complete

[sterngaze]

The monster-killing portion of Liem and Akua's hunting thread has been completed! Summary is as follows:

After a couple patrols of Meridian soldiers ended up dispatched by a mysterious beast, Liem and Akua ventured out to take care of it like the hotshots they are. Liem tracked it down to a region of forest where it seemed to frequent, and Akua laid a trap to snare it so it would be easy prey. The creature fought back with a disorienting sonic scream, and after weathering some projectiles and toasting, teleported away to lurk and (metaphorically) lick its wounds. Then Liem and Akua located it, immobilized it properly, and shot it full of holes.

The plan after this point is for them to examine the body to see what monster lore they can learn from its organs and such, and then Liem intends to cut off some bits to bring them back to the Meridian outpost as proof of their hunt, and also to bring down to Kowloon to sell.

[beleos]

By examining the body, they'll learn a few things about its anatomy that are interesting, but are more along the lines of Fun Facts rather than anything plot-related to be totally clear!

• The most prominent of these organs is a large, spongy organ that appears to act as a combination of the heart and lungs, circulating a fluid that serves as both oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Adjacent to this organ is a series of smaller, branching structures that resemble bronchioles, allowing the creature to efficiently oxygenate its blood.
  
  
• The creature has a complex internal structure, with several organs and systems that serve various functions. Its circulatory system is composed of a network of thin, pulsating tubes that carry a bluish fluid throughout the body. This fluid appears to be a combination of blood and lymph.
  
  
• The creature's digestive system is equally complex, consisting of a series of stomach-like chambers that break down food into a thick, gelatinous substance. Gross!

But by bringing proof of the hunt, Akua and Liem will both be rewarded for their assistance in making Alenroux safer. They're both asked if there's anything in particular they're missing from their homes and may want here in Kenos—the clergy of the Church will try and commune with the Timestream to pull out what they desire. They're warned that this might take some time, though, since this is an imprecise art... By which I mean OOCly, request an item and it'll be their next gift reward, so long as it's nothing huge or crazy, haha.

Finally, Liem will make a decent bit of money at Kowloon because as it turns out... It's pretty tasty when fried! Go figure.

[sterngaze]

Gross! Liem will enjoy cutting it open and frowning at all the weird insides. And then making money from its most delicious portions. 😊

The thing Liem probably would request is a copy of the Manual of City-Building, since it would be helpful for him in drafting his report on how to develop Alenroux further. Sorry he is such a workaholic who won't request anything for actual sentimental reasons.

(frozen comment) Complete!

[prizeneck]

Totally forgot to claim it.

It's here, though sadly, no live stream. Eustace and Mamoru met by chance near the location and started running towards the commotion of people fleeing the factory. Mamoru made some dents, but it was Werestace who eventually tore the man up (just a little) when Mamoru had been smacked down and disoriented and the Shimmered Guy almost killed Eustace, which prompted his transformation. Eustace then pounced on Mamoru, injuring him, but thankfully Lottie tied him up with his magic. Eustace was then subdued and dropped at his place for recovery. Mamoru basically had to take a break for a while after.

(frozen comment)

[beleos]

Quick question! What kind of tool or weapon would each of them want, generally? For example, a hammer, sword, etc. Basically just the base item and I'll give a few options for each!

(frozen comment)

[prizeneck]

WE TRIED OUR BEST OK

Mams will always want bladed weapons or stuff that allows for him to work with his blades better. Lottie and Eustace find knives, hammers and guns acceptable.

(frozen comment)

[beleos]

You got it! Here's some options for each (minus guns, since they're a special case). Each of you can pick one from the following. Just let me know who picks what!

SWORDS

1. This radiant longsword glows with the power of the sun, illuminating everything within a 10-foot radius. The Sword of the Sun deals additional radiant damage on each hit and has the ability to heal the wielder a small amount once per day when held aloft in sunlight.


2. This crackling rapier hums with the power of electricity, and sparks dance along its razor-sharp edge. The rapier deals additional electric damage on each hit and has the ability to shoot a bolt of lightning at a target within 30 feet once per day.


3. This elegant katana is made of fiery red metal and has a handle wrapped in golden phoenix feathers. The katana deals additional fire damage on each hit and has the ability to burst into flames, dealing extra damage to those within 5 feet.

KNIVES

1. This small, intricately carved blade is coated in a poison that slowly weakens and paralyzes its victim. In addition, it has the power to drain the life force from its target, granting the wielder temporary vitality once per day.


2. This small, curved knife is made of a rare metal that is black as midnight. It grants its wielder the power to become invisible for a short time (five minutes) once per day.


3. This ghostly-looking knife is almost invisible in the light, and its edges seem to blur and shift like a ghostly apparition. It allows its wielder to phase through solid objects once per day,

HAMMERS

1. This magical hammer was forged for the express purpose of delivering judgment in the courts of the gods. Its power allows the wielder to detect lies while they hold it.


2. This enchanted warhammer is imbued with the power of the earth itself. With every strike, it unleashes a shockwave that can topple enemies.


3. This magic warhammer is carved from dark wood and has antlers protruding from the head. When used to strike a foe, the hammer can call forth a pack of three spectral wolves to chase and attack the target that will last for five minutes.

(frozen comment)

[prizeneck]

So they're all going knife buddies and Lottie will be taking Knife 1, Eustace Knife 2, and Mamoru will want Knife 3.

(frozen comment)

[redsoil]

Here is TEAM A's log, as well as a summary of their final activities!

(frozen comment)

[redsoil]

And here is TEAM B's log, as well as a summary of their final activities!

(frozen comment)

[beleos]

Beyond the wonders (?) that the group finds on their adventure (???), it’s as they return to their staging grounds that they stumble across something else…

As the group of adventurers (?????) make their way back to their meeting point, they stumble upon an unexpected, maybe frightening sight—A strange creature ambles through the shadows. Its long, sinewy limbs and oddly transparent body immediately catch their attention, but what truly captures their gaze is the Shard embedded in its lower arm, glowing with a familiar energy. However, something does visibly seem to be wrong with the Shard—It’s shining with an inner light, and it shows cracks on the surface of the crystal. They might be struck by a pang of fear at its familarity, since its proportions and its Shard may remind them of an Aeternae... But this one doesn't attack.

The creature reaches out to them not with physical touch, but through a psychic connection of Communion. Waves of jumbled, difficult to parse thoughts and emotions flooded their minds, as if the creature sought to convey a message beyond the barriers of conventional language. There's a sense that once, it was able to. But it seems to be largely lost to it now.

In that connection, they sense the creature's plea for understanding and a yearning for peace. Its psychic projection revealed snippets of a forgotten past, fragments of emotions of confusion, of pain, of turning power against others until tasting blood... And the weight of its existence as a Shard-Bearer. There's a single, bright memory of being at peace under the Great Tree in Springstar, of connecting with the force of Meridian as it meditated there.

However, before they can try to respond to the flurry of information, a sudden, inexplicable surge of terror washes over the creature. Set, Byleth, Cassian & Mamoru's Shards all grow hot to the point of burning the flesh around wherever their Shard is located, though not seriously. It spooks, darting into the shadows, disappearing as swiftly as it had appeared.

However, they’ll be too tired/incapacitated/etc. to chase after it now (aka, you guys already did the log). It does provide something interesting to bring back to the other team... As well as their respective factions, perhaps.

(frozen comment)

[beleos]

Beyond the wonders (?) that the group finds on their adventure (???), it’s as they make camp for their evening that they experience a strange vision together. They all experience making the decision to head further into the Beyond, as if pulled by force. It leads them North…

There, they find a small, Greek-style temple that’s clearly fallen into disrepair. The temple’s weathered stone pillars reach skyward in a stoic display of endurance. Time had etched delicate lines and fissures upon its surface, blending with nature’s touch as purple vines and golden moss intertwined with the worn stone.

Once vibrant frescoes adorned the walls, depicting scenes of devotion and reverence to a female figure. But now, only faint traces of pigment remained, giving mere glimpses into the past splendor. Shafts of moonlight streamed through narrow openings of the temple, casting ethereal beams upon the stone floor, where intricate mosaic patterns once thrived. Fragments of the exquisite artwork remained, hinting at the meticulous craftsmanship of the past. But in the frescoes and mosaics both, there are signs that it’s not just time that had eroded the once grand structure—some of the damage seems to be intentional. The female figure and their holy symbols are the consistent target of this damage. One of the only remaining pieces of artwork that’s largely intact is a relief of what seems to have been priests and priestesses of the temple.

A faint scent of incense, long faded, wafts through the air, evoking a sense of the temple's former sacred rituals. With that sacred smell, they also sense an invisible energy resonating within these sanctums, urging them forward. They arrive at what is clearly an inner sanctum, and at its center is a statue of aged marble that’s ~15 feet tall. However, its head and arms are both long gone.

With a start, they all wake from their vision, still finding themselves at their camp rather than at the temple they had ventured to in their mind’s eye… But they’ll find that they could navigate to it, should they choose. It does provide something interesting to bring back to the other team... As well as their respective factions, perhaps.

(frozen comment) CLOSED

[beleos]

This quest is no longer available.

(frozen comment) CLOSED

[beleos]

This quest is no longer available.

[beleos]

REBUILDING SPRINGSTAR

After the chaos caused by the spread of the Blight leading up to the Iconoclast Oracle event (May 2023), Springstar has some areas left in ruins by the spread of out of control tree roots and other effects (see event wrap-up post). The city now needs assistance rebuilding!

Be cautious as you work, since you may stumble across some of the strange pockets of weather, as described in the Roots section.

Please indicate which area your team plans to work in when claiming this quest.

POTENTIAL REWARDS

Favor with Meridian and a boon (a spell, magical item, or other requested object) as given by Cetina. Note, for the requested object, it must be declared when claiming this quest. Completion will also reduce the size of the ruined area as shown on Springstar’s map, hooray!

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

I mean a building might fall on you? But no, all at player discretion.

[beleos]

REBUILDING HIGHSTORM

After the chaos caused by the spread of the Blight leading up to the Iconoclast Oracle event (May 2023), Highstorm has some areas left in ruins by the spread of out of control tree roots and other effects (see event wrap-up post). The city now needs assistance rebuilding!

Be cautious as you work, since you may stumble across some of the strange pockets of weather, as described in the Roots section.

Please indicate which area your team plans to work in when claiming this quest.

POTENTIAL REWARDS

Favor with Zenith and a boon (a spell, magical item, or other requested object) as given by Kathova. Note, for the requested object, it must be declared when claiming this quest. Completion will also reduce the size of the ruined area as shown on Highstorm’s map, hooray!

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

I mean a building might fall on you? But no, all at player discretion.

WORLD'S EDGE

[beleos]

[beleos]

STAFFING ISSUE

One of the characters in the group will receive a simple, hand-written note:

The “staff” at World’s Edge are a bit more than that. Kill or kidnap one of them. I only need what’s in their chest. Bring that to Kowloon and I’ll consider it good will for a chat.

- A

Kian’s castle is generally not open to the public at this point, so it will need to be infiltrated without raising the alarm of the workers (or Kian himself). Or, if they do, make a quick escape! It’s heist time, baby.

Some things to note about the staff for threading purposes:

• They are not alive! They are animated by a snowglobe like marble that’s embedded in their chests. It’s Shard-adjacent, but also distinctly different and doesn’t carry any sensation that a normal Shard would.
  
• Looking into these marbles gives a glimpse of a life that was once lived when World’s Edge seemed to be more populated and vibrant. You’re free to make up these details.
  
• While each person has a unique appearance, they all share golden eyes that are the exact same shade as Kian’s.
  
• For further details about Kian, please get in contact with Archer, since Kian is not a NPC the Loremasters control!

This quest can only be claimed once, with a maximum group size of three characters. Claiming this quest should include a general summary of how the group plans to accomplish this to help determine the overall success!

POTENTIAL REWARDS

A thread with Aetós for the “main” claimant of this quest. If others in the group are also aware that this is for Aetós, they can receive a thread as well. Just depends on how honest the leader is about what this is for!

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

If the group completely fails, a permanent consequence from Kian as well as being banned from World’s Edge forevermore. Otherwise, consequences can range from mild to moderate and depend on how good their plan is!

[beleos]

OTTER DEFENSE (?) SQUAD

Mr. Tibbs, a very naughty otter that caused the Blight, is now frozen as a statue in front of a restaurant in Springstar (see last note in the post). However, is this the fate he deserves? Maybe you can take it into your own hands instead…

This quest is a chance for a small group of characters to take Mr. Tibbs’s final fate into their hands personally. This can go one of two ways in saving Mr. Tibbs with a Blight cure or killing Mr. Tibbs however you please.

While this quest can only be claimed once, we encourage players to make this into a plotting opportunity where perhaps a group of otter assassins is confronted by someone who wants to protect him, as an example. Mr. Tibb’s fate can be something the group agrees on before threading or it can be something organically discovered through threading.

POTENTIAL REWARDS

Highly dependent on Mr. Tibbs’s fate!

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

I think regardless of which one is picked, characters are going to be mad at you. Otherwise, all at player discretion.

[beleos]

RULEBREAKER

Ryad is an area in Kowloon that only the bravest souls travel, because it’s an area where crime simply isn’t investigated. The district is overseen by Yura, who “created” it for the purposes of allowing those with taboo hungers or needs to be free. However, it’s a strict rule that these people only be allowed to do so within Ryad. And someone’s broken the rules.

Yura will commission a group of characters (no more than three) to hunt down a Shard-Bearer. The Shard-Bearer can be incapacitated, but Yura personally recommends dissipation since he only wants their Shard. After all, he will be publicly executing them by crushing it. Details about the NPC Shard-Bearer and their capabilities will be provided to the group upon claiming this quest. This Shard-Bearer will be free for the group to control.

This quest can be claimed by two groups.

POTENTIAL REWARDS

General pre-game timeline Shard-Bearer lore. Favor with Yura and in Kowloon. Each character will be given a gold pin that allows them free, safe passage through Ryad. However, Yura will definitely judge if you’re a decently powerful non-human and you wear it.

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

All at player discretion.

[beleos]

HIGHLY CULTIVATED

As the Blight tapers off, the gardens of Highstorm now need to be rebuilt, since they had received quite a blow by the odd “disease”. The master gardeners of Greenwood Yards put out a call to come help restore the gardens to their former glory. They have a selection of rare seeds or sprouts that need to be planted, but they request pairs to do the planting. These are plants with very unique properties that require more than just water and moonlight to grow.

This quest is a CR building opportunity! When claiming this quest, you can request a plant from one of the following categories:

• Command: One character will find themselves compelled to do whatever the other tells them to do.
  
• Honesty: Characters will be unable to lie to each other.
  
• Kemonomimi/Furry: One or both characters grow some animal parts (for a limited time).
  
• No Filter: Characters will find themselves hearing each other’s thoughts.
  
• The [Redacted] Option 😳: Some variation of sex pollen/aphro. I know what the people want.
  
• Your Choice: Have an idea not listed here? You can also request something specific! Just let me know what general vibe you want to generate the plant description properly.

When signing up for a quest, just pick your preferred category to get a full description of the plant and its properties.

POTENTIAL REWARDS

A garden plot for Zenite characters and general access to the garden for Meridian characters. They may also take a cutting of their plant to decorate their home.

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

All at player discretion.

claiming

[cutlery]

Sebastian (as ordered by Silco,), Gen, and Makoto will be doing this one!

[beleos]

And here is a profile of the Shard-Bearer they'll be hunting down!

Vaelakar is a demon who caught Yura’s ire after murdering ~5 people in Kowloon over the span of the past few months, but the most recent was someone slightly more notable, and thus he was identified. Vaelakar feeds on souls but seems to take more pleasure in just brutally murdering his victims than the meal itself. His personality otherwise is free to make up!

Vaelakar is a Tier 2 Meridian Shard-Bearer with all of the normal abilities that would come with that Harmonization level, as well as the following spells:

• Level 1: Charm Person, Expeditious Retreat, Grease
  
• Level 2: Daylight, Flame Blade, Misty Step

In addition, Vaelakar possesses enhanced strength, speed, and durability, though not to extreme levels. He would be considered a Level 2 character for the purposes of the power cap, for example.

[leicesters]

Claude and Dimitri would like to claim this quest! They'll focus their rebuilding efforts on homes in the Katoikitikós district.

For rewards:
- Dimitri would like the scrying enchantment removed from a piece of jewelry he owns
- Claude wants a new knife that's easy to disguise on his person, for self-defence purposes. Can be magical or non-magical, surprise him Cetina :')