Time to bring this back to life, and to start, let’s dump a bunch of art of different characters. Starting with Phasma Kirax. Half dragon, half fairy, and a necro-pugilist.
The dracofae goes over a few things, to make sure everyone’s up to speed. Comparing reports and checking in on everyone. “Right then, about time for another one of these. Let’s see what needs doing, or what’s been done…”
“Ah, right, my sister is finally back. Or, well, she’s staying with father in the Domain of Lust, but she’s found and safe. …Changed a bit, from what I’ve seen, but… ah, it should be fine.” That’s one worry off her back. Almost everyone is accounted for now. Except…
“…Ash is still not back yet, but father is working on that. It’s been narrowed down to Libira, and he’ll be trying to search for him over the next little bit.” She just hopes her brother can handle himself in the meantime.
“What else? …I think most of the adventuring jobs has kind of slowed down a bit. There’s still the conflict in Roedores, of course, but aside from that… it’s quiet. Which is good, since it means we can host the dungeon again. Or, perhaps more importantly, get the finishing touches down on the daycare room.” Right, with that, they can keep an eye on the younger crew, and help with training too. …Even if right now that’s mostly just Olivia’s daughter, Akhet, Maple’s son, Salix, and Ash’s younger self. …Timey-wimey stuff.
“Milagro’s debut went well, although I haven’t yet seen the full effects on Ripple Star, might have to keep an eye out for that. Ah, right, I guess there’s one other thing, since we’re tracking down bits and pieces about the Smiths’ old world. I’m pretty sure they’ll stay as they are now, but it might be good to figure out which shards are where.” She knows of two for sure. On in the Ignes Isles, on Rever, and another happened to be in the wilderness of Gielinor. Beyond that… not sure.
It was time for the Mother’s Day concert, and Milagro’s debut as an idol, in Aurum, and the poyo-dragon was a little nervous. She’s going to be performing in front of a crowd and cameras, which is exciting, but also a bit anxiety-inducing. Luckily, she has her mom with her for the performance. “Ah, it’s finally today, huh? I’m a bit jittery, mom.” She peaks out to the crowd. Plenty of different dragons watching… but she can recognize a few people in the crowd. Her aunts, grandfather… even great-grandma and great-grandpa.
“You’ll do great, Milagro!” Belle comforts her daughter, while also trying to psyche herself up for this event. The whole family is here for this performance. “Just relax, have fun, and you can take it easy after this is done.”
Milagro nods her head, taking a deep breath. It’s about time now, as the opening act finishes up, and it’s time for the mother-daughter pairing to perform. The music builds up as they head on stage, and they perform their song and dance number, the spotlight on the poyo-dragon.
Overall, there’s no mistakes, and the two of them finish up in time with some magical pyrotechnics. Belle heads off to tell the rest of the family, while Milagro starts the proper meet-and-greet part. She’s excited to introduce herself to everyone, even if she might be a little exhausted by the end of the day. The ‘Miracle of Aurum’ answers a few questions as best she can, and takes a moment for herself once she can have a breather.
“Whoo, that was fun! I’m… worn out, but, man, was that a good time!” Milagro takes a moment to cool down. This was her debut, and probably the biggest thing she’d do for a while, but she’s going to have to keep an eye out for other gigs and performances to do, whether she picks them out, or the AEG recommends it for her.
Belle is back at the tower to spend some time with her daughter… and also, as she’s just reading, she’s being asked to perform with her for Mother’s Day. She was planning to be there to support Milagro, but not exactly like this.
“Oh geez, let me look over some of this paperwork… hmmn, the Aurum Entertainment Guild would be paying for and hosting the event, and Draconic Innovations would be providing the broadcasting equipment… although they’ve got a legal disclaimer that it’s mostly provided by Ripple Star.” Belle sighs and tries to focus. “…So, what type of performance do they actually want of us, Milagro?”
“Oh, it’s going to be a stage show! Some singing and dancing, and then a bit of a meet and greet for me, so they can spread my name a bit.” The poyo-dragon nods her head, smiling. It’s going to be a lot of work, but she’s excited for it.
“Ah, okay… ah, yeah, they’ve got an outline of the routine in here. …Hum, do they know my previous work? Which is, you know, all over the place. Cooking, crafting, cam… er…”
“Cam-whoring? Mmmn, no, mostly just the first two.” Milagro says it pretty casually, while Belle just covers her face and glances away for a second. “But you’re good at everything mommy! And when they asked me about it, I said you could learn this routine quick enough.”
“Ah. Milagro, honey, you shouldn’t just spring work onto people without getting their thoughts on it.” The black dragoness sighs and taps her cheek. “…Well, still, I think I can do this… and besides, the spotlight will be on you, my little superstar! Right, now… let me see those lyrics…”
While Milagro is practicing and training for her debut, there’s still some set-up that needs to be done, and on what date. There’s talk of a concert being held on Mother’s Day, and, while it may not be a perfect fit for the young and upcoming poyo-dragon, it might be a good idea, if they can get her mother involved as well. After all, a mother-daughter performance could work out really well! But it is a bit unorthodox.
Still, with Yura working on spreading the word of this upcoming concert, and Ricado handling some other marketing and merchandise, it should work out just fine.
It’s been a hectic couple of days for Milagro, but things are progressing. She’s got a fancy new outfit, there’s equipment brought over for a show… all that’s needed is an event for her ‘debut’. Though, there is a little bit of pressure on her, as she chats with her aunt Chime. “Hoo, it’s… not long now. Gonna be in the spotlight, and work hard to make sure everyone’s happy… I’m actually a bit nervous.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like. I’m usually more for the shadows.” The shadow dragoness pats her on the head, trying to comfort her. “Still, no matter what, you have us. Not just Belle and myself, but the whole tower.”
“Mmn, right, as, ah… sort of my 'managers’ or something. Oh, even though this place is for adventurers, not entertainers.” The poyo-dragon nods, thinking on it a bit. “Kinda wish mom wasn’t busy in Roedores right this moment.”
Chime nods in agreement. “Yeah, I feel like she should be here this. …Still, I think I can pry her away from whatever she’s doing in time for your debut. And father, even if he likes to find excuses to keep busy, he’ll be there too. …I wonder if it’d be possible for grandpa and grandma as well, though that’s a bit trickier.”
“Oh, right, it’d be a big day, so everyone should be there!” She smiles and bounces in place. Honestly, the more family that can be there, the better. “But, uhm, until the debut, I’ve been told to just keep practicing, and to be ready.”
Over a couple of days, a few candidates are chosen, and brought over to a new startup for examination. They were hopefuls to become an ‘idol’, and there’s a fair variety selected, from all over. Though, the criteria in which they’re being judged makes it tricky for some of them. Most of those that have enough combat experience, are a bit too old to be an idol, although they would be kept in mind if they can help out elsewhere. And most of those that are young enough to be seen as 'the future of Rever’ lack any skill in fighting at all… which would make sense, there hasn’t been much reason for them to fight in Rever anyway. By the end of initial screening, Milagro is on the short list for this gig, along with a few other hopefuls.
The poyo-dragon wipes her brow after a bit of an exercise, helping up her sparring partner before heading for the showers. “Hah… whew, this is hard work! I guess I sort of went in thinking it’d be easy… but there’s a lot to keep in mind. Though, I’m having fun so far!”
“Yeah, this whole thing is… interesting.” The sparring partner, a human from the Ignis Isles, wipes her brow and gets ready for a hot shower. “Still, I’m not sure if this is more for entertainment, or if we’d be asked to do some risky work.”
“Oh, hadn’t really thought of that. Huh.” Milagro mulls it over, getting some nice, hot water pouring on her.
Elsewhere, a few dragons are picking up some supplies from Ripple Star, for broadcasting. While the receivers might be more limited to just Aurum right now, it’d still be a good test of things, and if the broadcast could reach over into Ripple Star as well. Afterall, getting visuals, for both this idol work, and in keeping abreast of the situation in Roedores, is something worth investing in.
Yura is making a few rounds over a few days, seeking out potential candidates for this whole ‘idol’ thing, while Ricado is making a visit to Ripple Star for advice and possible investment. There’s a number of places to check out, for those that can have a great stage presence, but also strong and capable as an adventurer, and the first spot is to consider Helmsith’s recommendation of Milagro, from the Black Bone Tower. Phasma would be the one to greet her, as per her responsibilities as head of the tower.
“Ah… Councilwoman Yura, correct? There’s not any further issues with anything here, is there?” Might as well be certain, given previous events.
“Oh, no, nothing like that, Miss Kirax. It’s about a recent suggestion provided by Helmsith. About… idols? I was hoping to speak to Milagro about if she wants to apply.” She’s being courteous. The tower may not be the traditional tourist attraction, but it did have perspectives from all over.
“As in… you want her to apply to be an idol? Or, Helmsith does. Ah… I’d say you should ask Belle, but she’s currently out at the moment. And, ah… I guess I’m sort of the one in charge here, like a manager, so… still, you’d have to ask Milagro herself.”
“I see. Before I ask for her, do you mind telling me what you know of what Ripple Star’s idols?” Yura asks, curious to know more.
“Ah… yeah, uh, memory is a little fuzzy on that. But if I recall, there’s a lot of performances, and stage shows. Lots of flirting too, though that might be more of a Ripple Star thing.” The dracofae taps her cheek, thinking. “…I think my sister was an idol for a while, come to think of it.”
“I think I get the picture. And, according to Helmsith’s proposition, the idols should be capable adventurers. Thoughts?”
Phasma blinks. “I… uh, that’s the first I’ve heard of that. I guess being able to defend yourself is one thing, but I haven’t heard anything about them being full-on adventurers. It… could be an interesting hook? Honestly, it sounds a bit like a variation on his 'world guardian’ plan. Just with more showmanship and morale boosting instead of raw power.”
Yura crosses her arms for a moment. “Then you’re recommending we don’t go through with it? While we don’t doubt he had good intentions, he was still making a child into a weapon of sorts.”
“I think ultimately, it’s Milagro’s decision.” The dracofae nods her head, mulling over matters. “Still, the idea itself isn’t bad. Helping raise spirits, especially with what’s going on in Roedores, is a good thing, and that might be something she would be interested in. Anyway, I’ll invite you in, we can discuss this further, and you can keep that in mind as you scout out other talent.”
“Thank you, miss Kirax.” Yura bows and heads inside to discuss matters further, and to get Milagro in on the conversation.
There’s a meeting among the dragon council of Aurum, discussing a number of different topics. The war against fiends and celestials over in the allied plane of Roedores, advancing and spreading technology to help transport messages and cargo faster, finding new things to increase tourism and trade. There’s definitely a bit of back and forth on these topics. Zurvag, of course, as head of security, is focusing on reducing any risk, and Arcanos is keen on keeping the secrets of their more ‘modern’ magi-tech close to the heart, being the headmaster of the academies. However, the head of trade, Ricado, and the head of tourism and culture, Yura, are definitely wanting to bring in more visitors, and their coin. Torg, the one keeping a closer eye on military matters, is suggesting that they do a bit more to help out in the war in Roedores, while Slenit, the councilmember who’s been keeping an eye on health and population, says that there’s not enough able-bodied adults to send and keep an eye on the next generation.
It all goes around in circles for a bit, and there’s some concessions, most notably preparations to work on improving existing radio structures with added magi-tech network support, before they move onto to local proposals, with Zurvag leading. “Right, let’s see… abolish the red light district… expand the red light district, those are just conflicting. Lower taxes and provide more services for free, hah, would love to, but taxes are what pay for those services. Add more fairy-friendly structures… ah, hmmn, that’s something to consider, but they didn’t exactly give any suggestions. Put that one in the maybe pile.”
“Oh, this one’s interesting. And it’s from Helmsith, no less.” Yura pulls out one such suggestion, reading it over. “It sounds like he… wants to make someone an entertainer to 'raise the spirits of Rever’… ah, that’s… we do have a number of dancers, actors, and illusionists, but more so for just the city, not the whole world.”
“Let me see that…” Zurvag takes a look over it, and rubs his forehead. Helmsith usually has everyone’s best interests in mind, but he does also play another angle. And sometimes his methods can be a little dubious. Like deploying forbidden magics, or raising a child secretly. “…Mmmn, yep, 'beacon of hope’, definitely some of his wording… ah, here’s a slight catch. He’s talking about sending them around to cheer people up, but also includes notable details about morale against the threats in Roedores.”
“So, what, he plans to use a pretty face for some war propaganda?” Torg crosses his arms. “…Sounds fine to me, but we’re not exactly directly involved now, and, much as I’d like it if we were more active, Slenit is right that we don’t have the men to spare.”
Zurvag shakes his head. “Well, not entirely, but it could be viewed that way. According to his rather detailed proposal, the 'idol’ would be someone with some adventurer training… and conveniently enough, he’s suggesting someone from The Black Bone Tower. I swear, that old bundle of scales has some deep bias for them.”
“Right, that tower. The one that there was suspicions of consulting with demons, but was cleared. …Well, aside from with the necromancer turned fiend, but…” Arcanos strokes his chin a bit, thinking deeply on this. “If it was someone from there, they could be kept at arm’s reach, just in case. For accusations of us pushing an agenda.”
Ricado hums and grins a bit. “I don’t know, Arcanos, I think this might be something quite interesting to consider, this 'idol’ thing. The entertainers do sometimes create some merchandise, which does help grease palms. And if this thing takes off, and people know it came from Aurum… could bring in plenty of visitors wanting souvenirs.”
“Well, Zurvag? I think Helmsith’s getting his way again, even when he’s not here. …He’s still busy meandering about the world, and maybe others, right? Maybe he got the idea out there.” Slenit shrugs before clearing her throat. “Still, I think we’ve got a slight majority favoring it, if I’m reading the room right.”
“Gah, fine, fine. It… I’m sure I can handle it in a way where there’s no leak in security.” Zurvag relents, sighing. “We’ll start setting things in motion over the next few days. And, Yura? I’ll have you put out a call to action, to look for those who might be suitable. That’ll include a visit to the tower as well.”
Phasma just finishes communicating using a device Belle made, and… suddenly gets a bit introspective. “Huh. Right. I can just… call people on Ripple Star, or use something to keep in touch with members of the tower. But beyond that… Rever’s still getting the ground work set up for radio. Radio. And I think Roedores is behind that. Hum, maybe I’m a bit spoiled for methods of keeping in touch. …I guess that also means, uh, if any of us get in trouble, we can respond pretty quickly, provided we have some way of getting there.”
The dracofae taps her cheek, mulling it over a bit more. …Hmmn, come to think of it, she did have a little project of her own, and she’s been trying to nail down interplanar travel on it. Having some sort of communication magic might be good too… a little weird to put in a claw though.
“I guess I’ll have to consider that. Ack, but there’s also if I should focus on preparing to be the next queen. I like exploring and adventuring a tad too much to sit in one spot, though I have gotten used to it as well. Hmmmngh. I’ll discuss it with mother… maybe right now, actually, since I can just contact her.”
“Right, things have been a bit slow, but I guess there’s been other matters going on.” Phasma taps her cheek, mulling over a few things. There’s a lot going on, but not a lot of it is… active. “Let’s see… ah, right, father has been preparing something, some method of clearing up some light-scarred land in Roedores, and getting Akira and the residents of Sangaku to help with that. Though, it sounds like it’s still in the planning phase.”
“Ah… actually, there is something for myself. With Ribbon still MIA, and all that… I’ve, uh… got to prepare for the throne. In case it happens that I’m, uh, next in line.” She thinks on it a bit. “…Though, uh, finding some good role models to ask for advice might be kind of tricky. And I would have to put off the adventuring thing, too. Hum.” A bit of a pause, as the dracofae mulls it over. Well, it’s not for a long while anyway.
“Huh. I guess there’s a few other things to keep tabs on. And without Ash here, Kristjan’s still down in the lower planes, and William currently out… we, uh… don’t have a lot of guys here.” It’s probably nothing to worry about, honestly, just something that she noticed.
With the start of a new month, Phasma and Olivia finally return to the Black Bone Tower, and get to work on getting back to normal around here. There’s still the conflict going on in Roedores, but here in Rever, it’s rather nice and quiet, all things considered.
“Ah, good to be back after all that. You didn’t suffer too much, did you, Olivia?” The dracofae asks, considering she had a smoother experience, being the queen’s daughter.
“Oh… aside from one… incident, it could’ve been worse. Still, I’m glad that’s over, and I don’t have to be locked up, and feeling my hunger grow out of control.” The crow warlock glances away, tapping her fingers together.
“Well, you have the freedom you need here at the tower. And if you need some time to head back to the Humblewood to check up on things, you’ve got it.” She nods her head, before she scratches her chin, thinking. “…There’s still Ash, given he… teleported away, you said? Just hope he’s not in trouble. But I suppose he can handle himself. Now… hmmn, to continue work on that claw of mine, give it a test run, or just spend today relaxing?”
Things have been a little quiet over the past few weeks. The paperwork has been submitted and processed, and Phasma and Olivia are due back to the tower any day now. Ash… seems to have gone missing somewhere along the way, which is a bit concerning. But the dragonfiend can probably find him easily enough. There’s still some conflict in Roedores, and Kristjan is still missing his first apprentice and his mask, Vanus, but, things are steadily starting to return to normal.
That being said, there’s a little bit going on, as Kristjan is called in to the throne room of the Infernal Brothel, standing at attention for Asmodeus and Tempiel Somnus. “You called for me, Asmodeus? Is something the matter?”
“No, nothing you need to concern yourself with. We’ve got a few more patrons who are wanting succor and therapy more than fantasies, but that’s within expected parameters, given the war. No, we were just wanting to check in on you.” The devillord of lust is expression a bit of concern, before glancing to the side. “Mostly Tempiel, but…”
“Oh, that. Ah, I mean, I’ve just been busy. And maybe a little anxious. Phasma and Olivia are due back in the tower any day now, but, uh… Ash is missing. Same with Ribbon, and Vanus, so… I’m just worried about their safety.” The dragonfiend taps his fingers together, sighing. “That, and… I guess with the stress, I’ve been having some rough dreams.”
“Oh, well, we can help with the dreams. A dreamcatcher to help filter them out.” Tempiel nods her head, happy to help. “As for finding those three… ah, actually, I’ve been overhearing some chatter about a mask having been collected for study. Sounds like the Heaven of Knowledge, but I’d need time to divine the exact location.”
Asmodeus taps his chin. “Come to think of it, there was mention of a dragon in Libira… perhaps that’s your son there. As for the fairy…” He shakes his head. “Nothing so far, you have my condolences.”
Kristjan’s quiet for a bit, before taking a deep breath. “Hah, right, well, keep looking, and let me know if any more information comes up. I can probably contact Ash, if he’s there, and Vanus… well, I’d have to look for a way to sneak into the heavens. …But I could use something to help relax.”
The bird-like celestial is ready to jump in and suggest something, but is stopped by Asmodeus. Right, can’t get something like that for free. “Oh, ah, right… mmmn, well, you did end up bringing a lot of people into the shared dream, even with the, er, payment you provided. Maybe you can do a little diplomatic favor?”
“Eh? Diplomacy, from me?” The dragonfiend rubs the back of his neck, a little unsure. “I’m more of a… twister of life and death, not exactly a… people person. But, uh, I can try.”
Tempiel nods her head. “That’s all I’m asking. Despite my grandfather’s urging. Ahem. You know how some fiends are for the invasion on the grounds of… invasion, while other are for it as more of a bulwark against hostile celestials, right? If you could convince some of the fiends of the second inclination to return to the lower planes and focus on defense… or perhaps to ally with the mortals in the defense of the plane…”
“That… is a tall order, Tempiel.” Kristjan looks away. Hoo boy, that seems a bit above his pay-grade, and that’s with everything else he’s done. “I… look, I’m definitely not going to be able to sway thousands, or even hundreds of fiends off their path. But I might be able to get a few… maybe a dozen if I’m lucky.”
“Then hopefully those few will have a better fate. Now, a little bit of ‘payment’ up front.” The bird celestial walks over to the dragonfiend and starts massaging his shoulders. Rather tame for something in the Domain of Lust, but it is working to help relieve some stress. With all the lewdness and depravity, sometimes it’s the wholesome stuff that feels the best.
Milagro taps her cheek. “It’s apparently ‘appreciate a dragon’ day? But, uh… what if most of the people I know are dragons? I guess I need to appreciate all of them!”
“Ah, dad’s sending in a report. Normally Phasma would be the one to deal with this, but… I can let her know when she gets here. …Whenever that dumb paperwork is finished.” Belle takes in what William is sending her, and skims over it. “Let’s see, in detail…”
“Oh, dealing with voidsent, and getting some more notes on the gods there. I guess his Warrior of Light duties are never done, huh? …Curious, he did mention that his usual partner for those sorts of things wasn’t there. And we didn’t see her in the shared dream, either.” The black dragoness crosses her arms. “That’s… a bit concerning.”
She’s got another report to check, too. “…Oh, this is from Kara. Right, she was taking care of things in Roedores a bit… and it looks like the capital’s forces are starting preparations for a strike again the fiend’s stronghold, to raid for weapons. …And she’s going to use that chance to try and deal with Malus, that glabrezu.” Right, as she recalls, that vampire dragoness was looking to slay the demon, and get herself cured in exchange for retrieving a necronomicon page. “…Hope she handles herself okay. Might have to help there.”
