gynvael: (253)
Geralt z Rivii ([personal profile] gynvael) wrote2021-07-29 11:59 am

abraxas:: HORIZON DOMAIN

Kaer Morhen

Resting upon some high peaks, the looming fortress known as Kaer Morhen is old and crumbling. It is always winter here. The cold is biting, the frost thick. Normally, reaching Kaer Morhen is a long and difficult journey even for those who know the way. Here, it takes only a short trek up a snow-covered trail. The surrounding mountains extend further than most domains. A cabin sits in the distance beyond the walls. If asked, he will tell you he shares his space with another—an ashen-haired young woman who may be seen wandering about.

A vast expanse of mountains and snow can be seen in the distance, aptly named the Blue Mountains. The closer you come, the easier it is to realize it isn't real, just a rising backdrop. Still makes for a nice view, though, and the sun sets and rises over the mountains at regular intervals.

The main doors to the inside of the keep will open only to those he trusts, but anyone is free to enter and roam the exterior so long as you don't fuck around.

If you want to drop something off for Geralt when he isn't around, leave it with the white wolf in his inbox.
Exterior

A gate once stood at the front entrance, but something's since smashed it down. There's clear effort to maintain the walls, but the stone is nonetheless chipped and worn, and outright destroyed in places. The walls of the keep encircle his space; the only way in is from the front. If Geralt is in his domain, his black mare named Roach will be seen in the stables and, inexplicably, a modern motorbike. If he isn't, the stables will be empty. Some high training posts can be spotted, as well. Geralt can occasionally be found atop them.

Underneath layers of snow, old bones can be seen scattered about the grounds. Some are of strange creatures—but many are clearly of people. They don't seem to have been moved from where they died. Instead, it's as if the bodies were left there, for time and nature to take care of.

Prowling the grounds is a white wolf. Originally made by Jaskier when he bore no memories, the wolf has made its home in Kaer Morhen. It has suspiciously similar scars to Geralt, the significance of which Geralt will never confirm nor deny. To those who are a friend, the wolf will respond as such and allow itself to be pet and given treats. Otherwise, it tends to stand guard or lurk, watching. It will never attack or threaten unless it senses clear danger.
Main Hall

Inside, the main hall greets you. The area shows signs of wear and tear, and a few bloodstains that didn't come out. Braziers and a cooking fire are always lit when he's around, though it does little to keep out the winter chill. A rat or two scurry in the shadows. The tables are usually set with ale and bread and cheese. Help yourself, if you want. If you're really here to indulge, he might even bring out some White Gull.

Most prominent is the medallion tree. Once split down the middle, then pushed back together, a crack now runs up the center of the ancient trunk. While each medallion has a unique edge, they all carry the same wolf motif similar to the medallion Geralt is never seen without.

Go past the main hall to find an armoury. Practical tools like replacement weapons, training swords, and grinding wheels can be found, but there are also older pieces of equipment displayed, tracing back to the ancient days of the first Witchers.
Temple

The Temple of Melitele, where Geralt spent a portion of his childhood, is down a set of stairs that once led to his nightmarish cellar. Inviting and serene, the temple is perpetually in spring. The scent of fresh flowers follows the cool breeze. Food provided is more delicate than the rustic cheese and ale found upstairs: small cakes, biscuits, fruit, and tea line the tables. The pillars shine with golden suns and stars, a touch added by Jaskier, who helped him build. Come nightfall, hundreds of candles glow.

Guest bedrooms are around the corner. Some have one bed, others have two. Take a nap if you want. Geralt won't care where you go or look in the temple. It's open for travellers passing through. Geralt's room is typically locked, but if you know him well, you can go in. There, you'll find a potted sunflower, a miniature foliage horse that's very much alive, and other gifts he's received: a tome on myths from Julie's world, a leather-bound copy of The Odyssey, and a pair of oddly realistic wolf ears and tail (don't ask). Deep in some drawers are letters that smell strongly of lilacs and gooseberries, but these are unlikely to ever surface for anyone to see.

Weapons will vanish as soon as you step through. If you ask Geralt about this, he'll shrug. No violence in the temple. Do as he says, not as he does.
Visiting

A wanderer by nature, Geralt often isn't in his domain. Instead, he can be found in the domains of friends who've opened their doors to him. You can usually tell where he is by the presence of his horse, his motorbike, or his wolf.
The Great Oak Bleobheris
Belonging to Jaskier, the lush greenery and blooming florals are a far cry from the frosty mountains Geralt has created. He'll usually be in the workshop Jaskier made for him, whittling rough unskilled wood carvings of various animals (horses, mostly), or sitting by the glade near a gentle stream.

The Bunker
Belonging to Dean Winchester, the underground bunker is many things, including a library. Geralt has his own room inside. You probably can't access the bunker unless you also know Dean, but Geralt's occasionally above ground by the entrance, or at the Roadhouse nearby, though that's rarer.

The Club
Belonging to Julie Lawry, Geralt tends to only be here when he's visiting Julie, but he'll sometimes be there to have one of the supremely potent drinks that only Julie's bartender seems capable of making (and maybe to make use of her hot tub upstairs). He's also fond of her small pets, a few of whom he created for her, and will come see them.

Sam Wilson's House
Belonging to, well, Sam Wilson, Geralt will sometimes take up residence on the porch steps or by the dock. Unless he's looking for Sam, he usually won't go inside except to retrieve a beer, even though he knows he has an open invitation. He just prefers the view outside.