[ re: Should you have the time, perhaps you wouldn't mind a walk about the newly available area? I'm unfamiliar with much of what's on the boardwalk - perhaps you would have more insight? ]
I have the time, but it's a little new to me, too. We can learn together though. I can meet you there?
[ that is all they say before they end the text, heading over via train. zhongli might beat them there, but he won't be waiting for long before they slowly approach and wave. ]
It's...Zhongli? [ the way they say this is slow, like they're being careful to pronounce it right and they aren't used to pronouncing names like his. ]
[ while he might be there before them, zhongli is very patient and calm while he does. he pockets his phone - having left his long jacket behind, but still wearing the rest of his ensemble - before bowing his head. ]
That's right - and well-said. Thank you for joining me, Zuriel.
[ approx how tall is zuriel's shape compared to peepaw modly i'm gonna ask all of you this ]
[ he has had a long life of patience, so this tracks. this is also my favorite question, because zuriel is at least a foot shorter than he is, so they are straight up craning their head back to look at him.
they also seem pleased to have pronounced it correctly, but then quickly brush that off because he does not need to know they were a little nervous of getting it wrong. ]
Sure. We are here to be your guides, even if that means "tour guide." I've never really been to a boardwalk like this, so... it might be nice to see. Ready to go? [ our walkies... ]
[ oh their poor neck... not like zhongli can shrink, but he's kind of used to being surrounded by short people considering hu tao's around him all the time.
there's no attempt to point out their reaction, because that would be impolite, and instead he just smiles lightly, eyes creasing. ]
Liyue Harbor has its run of festivities, but this is a marked difference. I'm interested in seeing what you and I will learn in this. [ walkies! ] Besides, if you're meant to guide us... I'd like to get to know the three of you more, considering we will be spending a great deal of time together.
[ it's fine, he is not the first tall person they have spent time with. away we go! ]
Eight whole weeks. Very exciting, I'll have you know. [ this is sort of a joke and sort of sarcastic but in a way that says they know everyone has very mixed opinions. ] But nothing says we can't get to know each other. But maybe to start, you could tell me about Liyue Harbor? I've never heard of it.
Ideally not too exciting. [ he's. very aware of the mixed opinions. he himself is standing at the fence, still, waiting for what the price of all of this is going to wind up being.
still, he nods as they walk. ] Liyue itself is the Nation of Geo, but Liyue Harbor is the eponymous capitol, of course, a city of commerce that brings in ships from the sea and sends boats upriver. I suppose the cat is out of the bag, with the information so public on the phones, so I can say that it was founded by myself and other gods, to allow the people of Liyue a safe haven where they could thrive.
[ they follow along in his trail, though they don't seem to have issues keeping up even if they nod along. they get why people are still on the fence and it's fair of them. but they listen and seem to pick up on things. ]
Geo, like geology? Stones then. And the harbor serves as a trading port for the rest of the nation. [ these are assumptions he can easily correct. they do pause as if looking him over to check for his godliness. ]
Do you live among the residents as a god then? Do they know it was your doing?
[ he folds his arms behind his back, tranquil as they meander along the boardwalk. ]
Yes, for both of the first. But... [ the actual, meaty questions cause him to pause for a moment, before he shakes his head. ] I have lived among my fellow adepti - illuminated beasts and gods that swore a contract to protect Liyue from threats alongside me - and the people of Liyue alike, but there are very few of the latter that knew who I was.
Besides, I relinquished my title as their Archon so that they might prosper in the time of man. They've done quite well for themselves, and the adepti have begun to learn more about the human world themselves.
[ this has piqued their interest so much, actually. beasts? gods? magic, in a sense, in a way that exists among ordinary people and they don't even know it. ]
A sacrifice for their freedom? [ something like that? ] You must have seen so much over the years if you've always been watching them. [ ...this makes them think. ] Were you happy there? Blending in as a person rather than a god.
... in the grand scheme, in some ways, yes. [ there is nothing in this world that would be equal to a gnosis, except for what it could mean to bring down the heavenly principles. ] But they had long since been ready to leave the nest, so to speak. It did me proud to see them all come together.
[ the followup question does make zhongli smile, warm and genuine. ]
I was. I enjoyed being their Archon, and will cherish those memories. From before and after stepping down.
I think I can understand that. When you've put so much of yourself in people you care for, it's rewarding to see what they'll go on to do. I imagine it's no different than how a parent would feel with their children.
[ zhongli, father to the people. ]
It sounds like you'd never be bored there, at least. Especially if there are always ships coming and going. What's the rest of the country like? Have you been all over?
[ zuriel seems to be a person interested in culture, new places, and things they haven't discovered themselves. ]
Exactly so. I would descend yearly as the Archon, but otherwise I was among them without them knowing, a mere consultant. I was able to witness their growth from both sides, and... well, my duty was done. If they need me, I'll be there of course, but they haven't yet.
[ at least, he hopes. ]
Oh, everywhere in Liyue. I've only been to a few of the other nations, and not in some time, but I know Liyue from mountain to mine, ley line to ley line.
I think it's very kind of you to still be there for them. They may not need you now, or even next year, but if the day comes they do you'll be ready. Still, it must be a little strange watching all of these changes while you're still you.
[ watching families grow old and expand, watching the country flourish, the rises and falls of the economy... when people die, they leave those mortal ties behind. so what does a god do when those continue to accumulate? things to consider. ]
... ley line? [ interesting. ] What do your ley lines do?
It is as you say - like a parent with children. But I've enjoyed watching the changes over the years, as mankind is so deeply creative and multifaceted. It allows me to experience along with them, and while some adepti are less inclined towards change... I rather enjoy it, even if at my core I am still the same.
[ a god faces the risk of erosion, standing on the cusp of the beginnings of it as exhaustion and millennia weigh heavily, has long considered the accumulation of experiences and knowledge. ]
Mm, ley lines. They run all throughout Teyvat, and when one dies, their memories are recorded in them, as they're intended to record the memories of the land and spread elemental energy through the world as a sort of... net. They're meant to protect Teyvat from erosion.
Some of mankind is too creative if you ask me. [ some people should really Not. but they let the comment hang, thoughtful for a moment as they think this through. would they feel similarly if they were in a situation like that? living for so long, but experiencing so much. it isn't as if it's only good things either. there's always war, disease, heartache, death, things that people don't always bounce back from.
but again, they let it hang and then let it go with a simple nod. ]
And all of them are connected, then. Where does that elemental energy gather then? How is it used? [ what do these lines do to protect teyvat? ]
Sometimes, yes. [ he's seen the best and worst of the world, whether mankind or godly, and he will put his faith in mankind every time.
he lets the comment hang, as well, considering the followup questions regarding the ley lines. it's not often that he has to explain the function of them, considering he's only encountered the traveler who hasn't had the knowledge already from exposure. ]
In the case of a short answer, condensed elemental energy will create Slimes, largely unintelligent and instinctive monsters with elemental affiliations. But the longer answer...
All ley lines lead back to the world tree Irminsul, so they can be considered a wide net of roots, but the elemental energy and memories travel all throughout Teyvat. Sometimes, impeded flow can cause outcrops to surface as blossoms that can be dispursed to restore regularity of the energy.
Conversely, there are extensions of Irminsul in the form of petrified trees within domains - spaces of peculiarities, used often as challenges for adventurers and a means of gathering resources and treasure hunting, built up whether by man or manifestation around the trees due to the energy surges - that are revitalized and kept regulated when close enough to travel to.
The "net" comes into play against the Abyss, a corroding, corrupting force that poses a devastating risk against Teyvat.
[ sorry to zhongli and zhongli only, they really prefer the long answer because this is something interesting to them. so they keep their eyes (probably) on him as he explains, and they absorb this knowledge quietly and compare it to their own thoughts. ]
Which means that if anyone knows how to, they can track these lines and find the sources of energy and the magic behind them. Are the ley lines set in stone? Or is it possible that someone could alter them themselves and use them for their own doing... ? You said several of the extensions can be used for treasure hunting and resources, but do those resources ever risk drying up? Can the ley lines respond to those who seek it and change based on their own wants?
[ i knew the choice i was making in apping the character that knows fucking everything and will talk at length about it, where contracts permit. it's my doing.
zhongli is having a great time. ]
Unfortunately, there is the Abyss Order that does, in fact, attempt to use the ley lines for their own gains. They hope to bring about the destruction of Teyvat through the Abyss, which of course... [ the ley lines are meant to prevent. ]
It's difficult to reach Irminsul - I've never been there, myself, as it's housed in the neighboring nation of Sumeru and is under the protection of the Dendro Archon - so that is a small comfort, but the ley lines can still be manipulated. The nation of Natlan had theirs completely destroyed, long before I was even alive, and another god had to construct something to replace it with what remained to ensure that they had somewhere for their land's memories to return to.
As of now, there's not been any sign of the resources drying up - they aren't vital ones, at least, but there's no harm in returning resin to these outcrops of the ley lines and revitalizing them.
And, as for the idea of the ley lines responding... it depends largely on the domain. Some domains don't have these petrified trees, as they are produced by different phenomena or the influence of outside forces, but oftentimes the elemental energy surging forth will alter the environment. Sometimes in response to an individual in the moment, sometimes as an afterimage to an individual who might have been there previously and influenced it in some way. It is not unusual for one to enter a domain and find oneself reliving ghosts because of the power of memories being warped by the energy.
[ yeah this doesn't seem to surprise them too terribly much, and their silence seems to indicate they are actively listening and making their own mental comparisons. they mirror his posture as they walk, arms folded behind the back and head up as they go, and after a moment they speak again. ]
With as powerful as residual energy can be, it doesn't surprise me it would gather at a place where the point is at its most strong. You travel further from the point, the line is weaker. But it's still there and connected, even if it becomes interrupted by a building or a landmark. And it means they can still be poisoned if they fall into the wrong hands.
[ great. ]
Why does the Abyss Order want to destroy Teyvat so badly?
Exactly so. [ zuriel doesn't need him to explain that, it seems, and he doesn't sound surprised - if anything, just quietly pleased by an intellectual discussion. ] There is a world beyond Teyvat, the continent, one that few return from venturing out into, and I am uncertain how far the ley lines reach out into it. But there are many places that are weaker and need bolstered in our own lands.
[ but, then, the question of the abyss order comes up... he looks out in silence for a long, solid beat. ]
Due to a contract, I cannot speak at length about some aspects of this topic. As the God of Contracts, I take them seriously, even in death - a breach of them is unforgivable. But I will answer what I can.
Many of the Abyss Order are individuals that are seeking revenge for the fall of a nation, one whose destruction came about 500 years ago. Regardless of who was involved, or who was at fault, they see Teyvat as a whole as something to be destroyed in retribution, and are wholly corrupted by the powers of the Abyss as it feeds on their ambitions and anger.
[ this also makes sense to them, a small nod to everything he says. there are no arguments, just them quietly drawing comparisons and listening to him talk. ]
Like the overarching universe. If the ley lines are the energy and memories of Teyvat, you would think they'd stretch that far as well.
But I understand. [ they are fine with him keeping secrets. everyone is entitled to those, and contracts are important enough. some things you are bound to for life no matter what circumstances change. ]
Of course it's a revenge story though. [ a little scoff. ] The Abyss sounds like the root of evil. But it wasn't just the fault of Teyvat, was it? [ a rhetorical question. ] Do you think there's a way to change their minds?
It's likely, but it's also possible that the lines in the Dark Sea have been eroded due to the energies and dangers there. Gods that fled or were expelled from Teyvat during the Archon War became corrupted, and there are monsters the likes of which haunt folktales.
[ there's a rueful look in response to the scoff, because - of course it is. his feelings regarding what happened to khaenri'ah are complicated, but he thinks of the countless innocent people of the nation that fell or found themselves changed and tortured. ]
Perhaps. Many that I've encountered have been unswayable, having succumbed to the darkness that has taken root in their hearts. But that can't be all of them - or others might have their own agenda.
It sounds very complicated, knowing there isn't a way to easily change their minds or save them from that darkness because it's become so entangled. [ what a mess. ] Is that a thing you do too, then? Fight back those monsters and try to find people who may still be swayed.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 0, monday
I have the time, but it's a little new to me, too. We can learn together though. I can meet you there?
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[ that is all they say before they end the text, heading over via train. zhongli might beat them there, but he won't be waiting for long before they slowly approach and wave. ]
It's...Zhongli? [ the way they say this is slow, like they're being careful to pronounce it right and they aren't used to pronouncing names like his. ]
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That's right - and well-said. Thank you for joining me, Zuriel.
[ approx how tall is zuriel's shape compared to peepaw modly i'm gonna ask all of you this ]
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they also seem pleased to have pronounced it correctly, but then quickly brush that off because he does not need to know they were a little nervous of getting it wrong. ]
Sure. We are here to be your guides, even if that means "tour guide." I've never really been to a boardwalk like this, so... it might be nice to see. Ready to go? [ our walkies... ]
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there's no attempt to point out their reaction, because that would be impolite, and instead he just smiles lightly, eyes creasing. ]
Liyue Harbor has its run of festivities, but this is a marked difference. I'm interested in seeing what you and I will learn in this. [ walkies! ] Besides, if you're meant to guide us... I'd like to get to know the three of you more, considering we will be spending a great deal of time together.
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Eight whole weeks. Very exciting, I'll have you know. [ this is sort of a joke and sort of sarcastic but in a way that says they know everyone has very mixed opinions. ] But nothing says we can't get to know each other. But maybe to start, you could tell me about Liyue Harbor? I've never heard of it.
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still, he nods as they walk. ] Liyue itself is the Nation of Geo, but Liyue Harbor is the eponymous capitol, of course, a city of commerce that brings in ships from the sea and sends boats upriver. I suppose the cat is out of the bag, with the information so public on the phones, so I can say that it was founded by myself and other gods, to allow the people of Liyue a safe haven where they could thrive.
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Geo, like geology? Stones then. And the harbor serves as a trading port for the rest of the nation. [ these are assumptions he can easily correct. they do pause as if looking him over to check for his godliness. ]
Do you live among the residents as a god then? Do they know it was your doing?
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Yes, for both of the first. But... [ the actual, meaty questions cause him to pause for a moment, before he shakes his head. ] I have lived among my fellow adepti - illuminated beasts and gods that swore a contract to protect Liyue from threats alongside me - and the people of Liyue alike, but there are very few of the latter that knew who I was.
Besides, I relinquished my title as their Archon so that they might prosper in the time of man. They've done quite well for themselves, and the adepti have begun to learn more about the human world themselves.
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A sacrifice for their freedom? [ something like that? ] You must have seen so much over the years if you've always been watching them. [ ...this makes them think. ] Were you happy there? Blending in as a person rather than a god.
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[ the followup question does make zhongli smile, warm and genuine. ]
I was. I enjoyed being their Archon, and will cherish those memories. From before and after stepping down.
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[ zhongli, father to the people. ]
It sounds like you'd never be bored there, at least. Especially if there are always ships coming and going. What's the rest of the country like? Have you been all over?
[ zuriel seems to be a person interested in culture, new places, and things they haven't discovered themselves. ]
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[ at least, he hopes. ]
Oh, everywhere in Liyue. I've only been to a few of the other nations, and not in some time, but I know Liyue from mountain to mine, ley line to ley line.
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[ watching families grow old and expand, watching the country flourish, the rises and falls of the economy... when people die, they leave those mortal ties behind. so what does a god do when those continue to accumulate? things to consider. ]
... ley line? [ interesting. ] What do your ley lines do?
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[ a god faces the risk of erosion, standing on the cusp of the beginnings of it as exhaustion and millennia weigh heavily, has long considered the accumulation of experiences and knowledge. ]
Mm, ley lines. They run all throughout Teyvat, and when one dies, their memories are recorded in them, as they're intended to record the memories of the land and spread elemental energy through the world as a sort of... net. They're meant to protect Teyvat from erosion.
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but again, they let it hang and then let it go with a simple nod. ]
And all of them are connected, then. Where does that elemental energy gather then? How is it used? [ what do these lines do to protect teyvat? ]
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he lets the comment hang, as well, considering the followup questions regarding the ley lines. it's not often that he has to explain the function of them, considering he's only encountered the traveler who hasn't had the knowledge already from exposure. ]
In the case of a short answer, condensed elemental energy will create Slimes, largely unintelligent and instinctive monsters with elemental affiliations. But the longer answer...
All ley lines lead back to the world tree Irminsul, so they can be considered a wide net of roots, but the elemental energy and memories travel all throughout Teyvat. Sometimes, impeded flow can cause outcrops to surface as blossoms that can be dispursed to restore regularity of the energy.
Conversely, there are extensions of Irminsul in the form of petrified trees within domains - spaces of peculiarities, used often as challenges for adventurers and a means of gathering resources and treasure hunting, built up whether by man or manifestation around the trees due to the energy surges - that are revitalized and kept regulated when close enough to travel to.
The "net" comes into play against the Abyss, a corroding, corrupting force that poses a devastating risk against Teyvat.
[ still pretty sure this is ty, so sorry ty. ]
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Which means that if anyone knows how to, they can track these lines and find the sources of energy and the magic behind them. Are the ley lines set in stone? Or is it possible that someone could alter them themselves and use them for their own doing... ? You said several of the extensions can be used for treasure hunting and resources, but do those resources ever risk drying up? Can the ley lines respond to those who seek it and change based on their own wants?
[ again sorry to zhongli and zhongli only. ]
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zhongli is having a great time. ]
Unfortunately, there is the Abyss Order that does, in fact, attempt to use the ley lines for their own gains. They hope to bring about the destruction of Teyvat through the Abyss, which of course... [ the ley lines are meant to prevent. ]
It's difficult to reach Irminsul - I've never been there, myself, as it's housed in the neighboring nation of Sumeru and is under the protection of the Dendro Archon - so that is a small comfort, but the ley lines can still be manipulated. The nation of Natlan had theirs completely destroyed, long before I was even alive, and another god had to construct something to replace it with what remained to ensure that they had somewhere for their land's memories to return to.
As of now, there's not been any sign of the resources drying up - they aren't vital ones, at least, but there's no harm in returning resin to these outcrops of the ley lines and revitalizing them.
And, as for the idea of the ley lines responding... it depends largely on the domain. Some domains don't have these petrified trees, as they are produced by different phenomena or the influence of outside forces, but oftentimes the elemental energy surging forth will alter the environment. Sometimes in response to an individual in the moment, sometimes as an afterimage to an individual who might have been there previously and influenced it in some way. It is not unusual for one to enter a domain and find oneself reliving ghosts because of the power of memories being warped by the energy.
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With as powerful as residual energy can be, it doesn't surprise me it would gather at a place where the point is at its most strong. You travel further from the point, the line is weaker. But it's still there and connected, even if it becomes interrupted by a building or a landmark. And it means they can still be poisoned if they fall into the wrong hands.
[ great. ]
Why does the Abyss Order want to destroy Teyvat so badly?
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[ but, then, the question of the abyss order comes up... he looks out in silence for a long, solid beat. ]
Due to a contract, I cannot speak at length about some aspects of this topic. As the God of Contracts, I take them seriously, even in death - a breach of them is unforgivable. But I will answer what I can.
Many of the Abyss Order are individuals that are seeking revenge for the fall of a nation, one whose destruction came about 500 years ago. Regardless of who was involved, or who was at fault, they see Teyvat as a whole as something to be destroyed in retribution, and are wholly corrupted by the powers of the Abyss as it feeds on their ambitions and anger.
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Like the overarching universe. If the ley lines are the energy and memories of Teyvat, you would think they'd stretch that far as well.
But I understand. [ they are fine with him keeping secrets. everyone is entitled to those, and contracts are important enough. some things you are bound to for life no matter what circumstances change. ]
Of course it's a revenge story though. [ a little scoff. ] The Abyss sounds like the root of evil. But it wasn't just the fault of Teyvat, was it? [ a rhetorical question. ] Do you think there's a way to change their minds?
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[ there's a rueful look in response to the scoff, because - of course it is. his feelings regarding what happened to khaenri'ah are complicated, but he thinks of the countless innocent people of the nation that fell or found themselves changed and tortured. ]
Perhaps. Many that I've encountered have been unswayable, having succumbed to the darkness that has taken root in their hearts. But that can't be all of them - or others might have their own agenda.
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