stellafortunalogs | august mid-month event

August Mid-Month Event
Welcome to Teyvat - a vast magical world of adventure.
The earth begins to rumble as the Lantern Rite draws ever closer - a threat from centuries past now emerges from the depths.

Thanks to a surprise lead from a gentleman with glasses, the missing miners have been found in a cavern underneath the blue tree at Nantianmen. The miners are possessed by a dark force, rushing to attack anyone who interferes with their digging. Best to knock them out before they hurt themselves... but that's not all. Their efforts have revealed an ancient seal in the cavern, and those who happen to be nearby will find themselves trapped in the seal's domain along with its very angry inhabitant.

Azhdaha makes no attempt to disguise his hatred for the one who had put him to sleep - Morax, now bereft of most of his divine power, cannot seal the dragon again on his own. It's up to you to weaken Azhdaha until his spirit can be put at ease. The dragon hits hard, but you have the benefit of the Geo Archon's shield for the time being.

As an elemental being, Azhdaha is able to invoke other elements in battle as infusions, so you'll need to adapt your tactics to match. It's almost like fighting a god up close - Forneus intervenes in the battle this time, giving you a speed boost to evade his heavy attacks.

At last, Azhdaha's spirit appears in the form of a child, lamenting his failed escape. While you were unable to defeat him, it seems that killing him is not necessary - he used to be an ally of Liyue, after all. Time has worn away his memories and his kindness, leaving only hatred.

Time is cruel. But there is hope, for you have the God of Time on your side. Now that Azhdaha is in a rare moment of lucidity, Forneus steps into the world, and as a favour for an old friend, restores the dragon's soul. Now in the form of a mortal man, he will be free to walk under the endless sky once more.

Forneus joins you on your tired trek out of the underground domain. It is with a somber expression that he tells you this is an inescapable fate, even for the gods. For those who live too long, losing their memories is their final curse. Even in Teyvat's artificial stasis, their gods will lose sight of what's important eventually. Some already have.

But - enough of depressing things for the moment. After fighting not one but two powerful beings, you've earned your rest. With the miners safely found, the festival's atmosphere remains upbeat, and you'll be able to witness the Mingxiao Lantern take flight in all its splendour. Here's to a new year, and a new beginning - for Liyue, and also hopefully for you.

State of the World

It's hard to tell why Azhdaha chose this particular time to try and break out of his prison. Maybe it's because of Osial's awakening last month, or that he sensed the weakening of his divine seal. Nevertheless, you've had to fight another dragon to beat the corruption out of him before, so you're probably experienced at this sort of thing. It brings a good amount of food for thought, though. Is it truly good to leave something as important as the fate of a world in the hands of those who might forget their vows?

Your time in Liyue is also drawing to an end. Everyone will be departing for Inazuma two weeks after the Lantern Rite ends. As for what will happen in those two weeks... it's a surprise! Please look forward to it ☆

Questions about this event can be asked below!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[For a long moment he says nothing as they exit the cavern together. Then he closes his eyes and looks ahead. He hasn't bothered to hide what he is anymore. Not since his talk with Zhongli.]

...One day I too will become a threat that has to be overcome. [He touches his throat and avoids the god's gaze. There is more here. More than he has said to anyone.]

But when that day comes those who oppose me will have help. I am the vessel of those who fell in Nirvasyl. If they decide I must fall.

There is little I can do about it.

[ Forneus looks at him, still glittering a bit from using his power of Time to reverse the erosion on Azhdaha's body. His crimson eyes are kind, soft, without the whimsical edge that he usually wears. ]

There is no life without death. A beginning must come with an ending; in pairs. The hope that you have ignited in your homeland is what will endure, even as mortal beings turn to dust. That I can see.

[ Does he mean a logical inference, or that he's actually seen it? He offers no elaboration. ]

[For a long moment Shirou doesn't answer. Then he nods once, as untouchable as the first time he emerged from that blooded pit where countless dreams and hopes had been snuffed out.

Dreams and hopes that had been entrusted to him instead. To remember them. To hold them close as he strove towards a future where his people could live without fear.] ...And that is all I ask for.

All I want. [His own needs as a person are gone. He forgot what it was like to have them. Well, until Michiru. He can smell the fresh air just beyond the cavern. His form reverts as he breathes in deeply. The world shifts, turning black and white in his mind's eyes as the phantoms of people, their scents leaving an imprint of them dance across his mind's eye.]

I haven't started to lose track of time. That's the first sign, isn't it?

It is.

[ Forneus nods, the aura of power around him settling. ]

Companions help to ground that sense of time. And if you do ever feel like you need my help for that... you can call on me. You're a good person, Shirou. I'd hate to see you lose your spirit.

[He doesn't know how to answer that. So he just nods once but, he's nagged by his own morals. Shirou looks at him squarely.]

And you can always call on me. I don't wish to see you lose your spirit either. I'll extend the same offer to Zhongli. I like him. I don't wish to see either of you come to that kind of fall.

I appreciate that. I'm sure he will too.

[ A smile. ]

Do you have anymore questions about what just happened? If not, I'm fine with escorting you back to Liyue.

[He mulls that over. Then he speaks slowly,] There is a fatal flaw in the dna of Beastmen. Because of when it was discovered it is called Nirvasyl Syndrome.

When our stress levels reach critical we become vicious monsters that will kill anything in sight. Is that what Erosion is like? …if it is. I might know a way for gods to age more peacefully.

Erosion takes away one's memories, especially the good ones. The mind remembers pain more vividly. They lose their hope, their dreams and their identity, and in their despair they turn to destruction.

[ He inclines his head. ]

I'm all ears.

[He isn't sure how close it is. But he remembers the horror when he saw the tragedy of his past happening again. It ripped his memories, his reason away until there was only the need to crush everything.

He stares at his hands.] ...the cure was made by accident when the other immortal beastman was trying to find a way to erase Beastmen. He converted a human to a beastman and she can change at will.

I've heard it has to do with her ability to change. Flexibility? That cure is in my blood. Maybe...it could fight erosion.

Hmm, that's interesting.

[ Forneus taps his chin with one finger. ]

The laws of time dictate that nothing lasts forever, but on a smaller scale, it could be of use to this world's immortals. I could examine your blood, if you like.

[Shirou drops his hands to his sides then slowly nods.] Nothing lasts forever. If it helps, that's less suffering on both sides.

That's worth checking my blood.

Thanks.

[ He holds out a hand to Shirou. Nothing seems to happen except for a tingling in his arms, and then it fades. ]

I'll take a look as soon as I'm able. If I find anything of note, I'll let you know too.

Thank you. [He dips his head then straightens. It's a small thing. He'd seen the pain of those as long-lived as he and it made him feel that tie of kinship. Some of the day's tension seeps out of him.

He sags a little. Not exhausted of the body, just the soul.] Whatever results, I appreciate you letting me offer help.

We are friends, not just as employee and employer. And I would extend to you the same respect as I would to any other friend.

[ Their contract aside, he does consider the possibility of helping out Shirou's world. Maybe after all this is over. ]

[It shouldn't come as a surprise and yet it does. He blinks, eyes widening then something rare happens. Shirou smiles.]

Well then, I will do my best not just as an employee but as a friend. Any time you want company, you need only call. I will be there.

august mid-month event

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