buttrinthum | TDM #7

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TDM #7

Arrival / Enchanted Garden

Whether it be sleep or death, you feel your eyes close, and as your body begins to let go, you see a barn owl that is flying through the darkness, soon sweeping you across the clouded sky. You feel yourself mouth the words, “I wish, I wish..” and utter your deepest and darkest desire.

When you regain consciousness, you’ll find you are in an unfamiliar place with no recognition of how you arrived here. You have the clothes on your back, but nothing else. No weapons and if you had a particular superpower, you’ll notice it is missing. All you have is a satchel with a piece of bread, a vial of water and a potion. The potion could be red, blue or golden. There are no instructions about these potions other than two words: Drink Me.

Will you drink it or not?

There is a parchment, handwritten, and it simply gives you a welcoming:

“Welcome to my Labyrinth. Per our agreement, you have consented to live your life here for an undetermined amount of time. In exchange, I will grant you the wish that you desire the most.”

You’re in a garden, surrounded by flowers and plants– most of which you cannot identify. However, there are a few that you can make out: poinsettias and holly. You’ll soon find out that being around the poinsettias give you an odd sense of joy no matter how confusing the situation may seem and the holly, which is left over from the holiday season, offer different effects - standing too close to blooming holly will encourage a strong desire to be impulsive or try out something they never would have otherwise tried (whether it’s a wild new hobby, or shaving their entire head, or something else).

An Unexpected Blizzard

As harsh temperatures drop across Somnius, the townsfolk seem taken aback by how frigid cold the city is becoming. They expect this year to be chilly, but not exactly this chilly. Seemingly out of nowhere and overnight, a massive blizzard sweeps across the city, piling snow high and trapping Dreamers and townsfolk alike in their dwellings. Perhaps it's not wise to go out -- perhaps it might be better to snuggle up with your housemates instead.

As the day continues, the blizzard roars on, piling more and more snow on top of itself and making the air dense. Those who are adventurous enough to try and leave their dwelling may do so, but it poses as a risk with both high winds and freezing temperatures. Characters who have a fire element from their potion might be suited to be rescuers in this situation. Heat does make the snow melt and keep people warm, after all. They might be someone's only chance for survival, after all.

However, through the dense snow, something is lurking and they are very hard to see. It's the return of the Snow Angels, but because of the intense coldness, appeasing the Snow Angels by offering warmth will not work. Their weapons are drawn and anyone that approaches them at all will be attacked. Unlike last year, heat will NOT hurt the Snow Angels but ironically enough, making snowballs and throwing them at the Snow Angels will ... somehow ward them off. Clobbering Snow Angels with many snowballs will reduce them to just mounds of snow and their sword will vanish into pixie dust.

Any character who gets struck with their sword will risk severe frostbite which can be slowed down and cured by characters with healing abilities.

Trying to Relax

When the blizzard finally subsides, the bitter cold and snow will linger (As will the snow angels, so be careful.) Of course, this means a lot of places will be harder to reach- the path along starlight cliffs, for instance, will be far more treacherous and dangerous to access, and much of Lake Omen will be frozen over.

The path down to the beach, however, is still miraculously clear and easy to traverse- and, more importantly, there's a new path across sheets of ice across the ocean that have frozen over, broken, and refrozen, creating a long ice bridge that leads to a small island. On that island will be found a hot spring, complete with long-abandoned signs of use. This was clearly once an active onsen on this island, and for the most part, the natural warmth of the area has kept the winter cold at bay, meaning the hot springs are still accessible, steamy, and safe for visitors!

There are several springs of varying size and temperature. Anybody who bathes in these springs will find that they’re comforting and relaxing, soothing away the aches and tensions of your muscles and your mind alike. A few people may hear an odd, barely-audible whispering voice or echo on the edge of your hearing while you’re in the water, but don’t worry about that, that’s probably nothing. However, those who bathe in the waters may also notice a few odd side effects:

The most common effect will be uncontrollable emission of steam and bubbles from the bather’s mouth. The steam doesn’t burn them, the bubbles don’t interfere with speech and breathing, but both will be a mildly distracting nuisance until you’ve fully dried off from the spring
Many of the springs will make those who bathe in them feel incredibly refreshed and energized; maybe even too energized. You swear you’re not normally this hyper. Don’t worry, it will wear off after several very productive, very exhausting hours.
Some of the springs will enhance the most dominant personality traits of those who bathe in them. Anxious? Try ‘neurotic wreck.’ Brave? ‘Stupidly reckless.’ Reserved? ‘Completely emotionless.’ You get the idea. On the other hand, others will neutralize those personality traits, returning them to normal or even inverting them entirely. This can last anywhere from a day or two to a couple of weeks.
A few of the springs will induce a unique transformation. Those exposed to it will find that whenever they’re submerged in water, they grow gills and webbed limbs that make them fully amphibious and capable of swimming effortlessly. This transformation doesn’t impair them on dry land, aside from their skin being notably cold and clammy to the touch. Those who are already amphibious or aquatic by nature aren’t visibly affected. This will also last for anywhere from days to weeks.

Those under the effects of any hot spring will find that the mermaids in the unfrozen portions of Lake Omen are no longer as hostile to them. In fact, those affected by the aquatic spring, even those who are otherwise unchanged, will find that the mermaids are quite friendly and very chatty, though an unsettling amount of their conversations seem to revolve around how appetizing your fellow villagers look.

OOC

Welcome to the labyrinthum TDM! Characters will arrive depowered and with only their clothing, and will be given a satchel with a crystal pendant, a communication device, some water and bread and a magic potion. If they drink the potion, they will manifest an elemental, healing or animal transformation ability.

With the exception of Castle Vaeros, characters are free to go as they please, so feel free to place them in any of the locations available on the map. Yes, this includes the Labyrinth - though characters will not be able to clear the maze.

You can find more information about the game here. Any questions regarding the TDM can go under the comment below.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Someone had caught the tail end of that statement, and was actually laughing too. Softly, and not meanly, more in amusement. Loki was bundled up against the cold, as he came into view, hood of his coat up.]

Warn me if you are in the mood to drown. I'll bring popcorn to watch.

[But he's smiling as he says it, teasing the other.]

[Puck turns towards Loki's voice, giving him a flat look.] Oh, if you're going to be snacking during it then I'll have to put on a decent enough performance somewhere between going under and dying.

[But he can see the humor in the situation, so after a second he grins back.]

I can think of a few ways I'd like to drown, but as it's too cold to sit here and admire your eyes for hours, even with- [Puck slaps the surface of the water, creating ripples] I'll settle for simply remaining alive, thank you. I almost didn't recognize you for a moment. How are you enjoying all of this?

[Loki chuckled again; part of why he liked Puck was that they could tease each other easily. Moving closer, Loki starts unbundling himself. Clearly intent on joining the other in the spring.]

I do admit, dying is over-rated and I prefer you alive. You're wonderful company, which is part of why I'm charmed.

[With a wink.]

I'm actually doing alright, but that might be because I'm cheating a bit. More worried for those few I do actually care for here.

Oh? That makes two of us. I'd be no good to anyone dead-- and I'm glad to hear that after the depths [Puck gives a wide grin. He normally hates puns but it fits here, why not lean into them for a split second.] of our relationship so far, you're almost as charmed as I am. What a pair we make.

[Puck sees the wink and looks off to the side for a moment, slightly flustered. Another joke, but he's trying to sell it. The heat from the water is helping as his cheeks are even slightly tinged.] Stop being good at that. Or at least warn me first.

[But the cheating remark has him looking back, the jokes temporarily forgotten.] Oh? Wearing layers is being called cheating now? Or are you talking about doing it in another way?

Another way.

[Loki said with a secretive smile, and mouthed 'tell you later'. Clothing folded neatly and placed aside, he's sliding into the spring with a sigh of relaxation himself.]

And warning you wouldn't make it nearly so much fun.

Oh?

[But at the phrase mouthed, Puck let the subject drop for the time being. Which was all of exactly a second as Loki made his comment.] Luck's on your side-- I enjoy fun and surprises both. In case you were wondering and just didn't know how to approach that subject.

[But Puck's curiosity was tuned in.] Hm.. I suppose a guessing game wouldn't help. Oh no, we'll have to talk about anything else instead, what a sad fate. [He said in mock surprise, with a half grin.]

Truly yes, I'm a terrible tease that way.

[Loki responded with a grin and was entirely unrepentant.]

I did catch your video. Is fire one of your usual skill sets?

Here I was just attracted to your winning personality, and then you display introspection and a skill I wasn't expecting. Be still my heart.

[Puck shook his head.] No, it's absolutely new. I figured the potion would do something to help and then that was the side effect. Vaeros has a sense of humor or disgusting timing, I can't decide which. Probably both, all things considered.

[Loki tilted his head, and smiled genuinely. Even if it was part of their 'play', it still was nice to be complimented so. But he also was listening to the rest.]

I suspect the former, and you getting fire was random. I asked about some of this on the network shortly after the ball. The potions are all there when we arrive, and each one does something different. The red seems to give one and elemental power, with fire and lightening being the two specifically noted. For myself, I wonder why. Why give us these things, but bring us all down to a 'human' level when we arrive?

[Puck could be kind, even when joking around. Another balancing act. He gave a thoughtful hum before remarking simply] Your smile really is lovely. But to answer that..

[He fell quiet, considering. It was a good question.] Why would a king bestow something onto new subjects upon arrival? To build good will, is my guess. 'Look! You're in this strange new world but I'm good enough to give you a bit of magic. I'm so wonderful, get busy singing my praises for the sun rises with me.' Wait. No.. Not just good will.

[Puck seemed to realize what he'd said a second after, eyes widening a bit. He recalls another line from a second Shakespeare play he'd been taken to by Xanatos during a rare down time.]

'The sun himself is weak and gathers strength. Doubt the sun does move. Doubt the truth to be a liar.. But never doubt that I love.'

[Puck exhaled and looked at Loki, eyes narrowing as the answer clicks.] Love. It's.. It's to build a sense of love. ["What's the most hurtful thing you could do to a ruler and their kingdom? Make their subjects love you after you take it over." Puck's own words come back to hit him like a glass of ice water.] The most hurtful thing you could do. You could foster a sense of love. Even if it's just in a small bottle.

[Loki is listening intently now, as he watches Puck work through it all. Letting him take his time, as Loki is trying to follow. Then the dots connected, and blue-green eyes of his own narrowed. With a soft curse in an old language that Puck didn't speak.]

Love is often harder to deal with that outright hatred. Whether Vaeros uses multiple tricks because he's weak or simply because he's covering all the angles... That would be an easy way to instill some basic good will and prime people. Though why not just make it an outright love potion with other side-effects...

[Now Loki was thinking too...]

[Puck's frown deepened as he thought some more. The word he didn't recognize was ignored for the time being as he nodded.] It is, yes. [He confirmed softly, as he tried to stay in the right mindset. Puck only had Oberon to compare to, but he's also Fae and he knew how he looked at challenges.] Wouldn't that draw too much attention? If everyone was given a love potion then he doesn't get to find the exact steps needed to secure what he wants permanently. It would disrupt things. You show up somewhere and everyone tells you to just trust a liquid you don't recognize? Everyone loves the king?

It's easier to do it with gifts. If the small ones stop working, then you try again with a greater gift-- like a ball, all of your favorite foods, and enough fun and distraction to keep you from whatever you wanted to really do once you had been [Puck's tone went darkly sarcastic] graciously invited [And then back to normal] to a king's castle.

[The unknown word wasn't important--just a small curse word in Asgardian. It likely had no proper translation hence it wasn't translating at all. Loki was also trying to stay in the right mindset.]

No, that makes too much sense and we don't know that the potions don't have, say, love as a side effect to the other ones. Really, we need to learn more about them as well.

[With a sigh.]

Add it to the list I suppose. But I do see what you're tracing. Which means what steps now. Perhaps a big show of temper since his tricks didn't work--something that makes his anger clear, but able to be dealt with and is ultimately 'merciful' to put us in good moods or get our guards down. How many times will he try subtle things, before going on to more obvious but bigger things. If he can...

[There were too many variables still and Loki didn't like it. Shifting slightly out of the water, he held up his hands and made a twisting gesture with a spark of green. A familiar notebook, and a pen, were placed carefully on the edge out of the water.]

You did not see this. It was a trick of the light. Me performing sleight of hand, to impress you, my dear paramour.

[Because he was writing this down before he forgot.]

Like a blizzard but with enemies that can be defeated with snow? [Puck said pointedly.] But you're right, there are any number of things he could do.. He could be subtle, he could throw everything into larger opportunities.

[Puck watched as transportation magic snapped into the air for a second, his eyes lighting up in surprise and a little admiration. He waited until Loki was finished writing and then remarked- ] Going so far to impress me when you do that simply by being yourself. [Puck clasped his hands together and tilted his head slightly.] My luck continues to improve. [But there was also some truth in both statements.]

Well, I like to be interesting and surprising. Keep you always on your toes.

[It sounded like romantic banter, and Loki did turn from his writing to give the other a smile.]

We don't know yet that the weather and enemies are his doing. It could be a natural part of the seasons. But that's part of why I've been talking with people. So far, the people have been here longest have only been here for just under a year.

[Finishing his notes, Loki closed the book. Careful once more of the water, he held book and pen carefully in each hand and they vanished with a hint of green.]

Offering dancing then? I'll have to practice well.

[Puck smiled back.] That's surprising, it would fit more if they've been here longer. I wonder why it's only a year?

[Puck sank deeper into the water, watching as some bubbles suddenly escaped the right side of his neck as if he were breathing. He stared for a second and then looked from that to Loki. Then back to it. The bubbles came and went with each breath, as if the means to have it happen had always been there.] What in the world?

I do enjoy dancing, I did a lot of it at the ball. Although we verbally dance with our words regularly and that's quite enjoyable too.

[Loki wondered why almost-a-year himself. It was in his notes already too, but anything he would've said was taken by Puck's actions. That was...odd. As Puck repeated his duck in then out, Loki moved to the side of the pool and pulled himself out hurriedly. It was colder, especially since he was wet and no longer in a hot spring but that didn't bother him.]

You have gills. On the side of your neck. Do you need a mirror to see?

[Loki sounded puzzled too, but his conclusion was that it was something in the water. Hence his exit.]

But I don't get the opportunity to physically hold you with just my words. As fun as they are!

[Puck watched as Loki scrambled.] What-- I'm sorry, I've got what?

[The banter was temporarily forgotten as Puck reached to the spot on his neck, fingers gliding over the area. Sure enough, there were gills.] No, because I can feel them.

[Speaking of, the gills closed as Puck lifted himself up. With his shoulders above water they apparently weren't needed for the time being. His neck looked, for all intents and purposes, normal.

And then everything else caught up. Loki had climbed out of the pool but hadn't done much else. Puck was no stranger to nudity in any sense of the word, and he wasn't one to suddenly be flustered by it.] Ah! [But the banter was recalled and he picked it back up with a playful grin, an opportunity showing itself quite literally.]

Though remembering how well you kiss- [Puck served a playful wink back as a bit of fun.] along with seeing how you look unclothed, I'd hope you wouldn't blame me if I'd consider using more than just words.

[Puck's retort was sweet and even if part of their game, it didn't change that it was sweet. The Fae also looked adorable when flustered. And that playful grin was something Loki definitely appreciated too. The wink just made Loki chuckle in good humor. He gave a playful bow in return.]

Well then, we'll just have to dance sometime without words. I'm practiced at it, and do enjoy dancing.

[Puck liked to act like he wasn't as flustered-- and really, no, that was a complete lie. He was flustered enough that it could be easily picked up. But it added to the fun of things so he wasn't bothered by that fact. He threw his head back and laughed at Loki's comments.]

The quiet type? I'm honestly a little surprised at the idea. But consider my dance card filled in with your name, and likewise your name ready to spill from my lips when that happens. [Puck likewise helped himself out of the water as the heat was getting to be uncomfortable. He sat on the edge of the pool, arms folded across his torso idly.] But as you did say without words, I guess I'll have to just be quiet. I'd be more surprised if you didn't enjoy dancing.

[It was always fun to banter with Puck; Loki truly did enjoy it, when he could make the other laugh. A game they both enjoyed. He's taking a moment to sluice water off himself as best he could for now, before he'll start getting dressed again.]

I have my quiet moments, as I'm sure you do as well. I will dance with you whenever you'd like, oh charming one.

[Puck follows suit, keeping his eyes on anything else.] I'm only quiet when it matters. [But he grins at the last comment.] Good, something else we can continue. But not here, because it's far too cold. [The tunic slips over his head, and is followed by the remainder of his layers.] Even our combined heat wouldn't change that fact, sadly.

Very true, and sadly at likely another time. I've errands still to do, but this was a very good diversion. Time well spent, instead of wasted.

[Loki is quick to redress, also giving Puck his privacy. When they're both set though, but before his gloves are on, Loki is going to reach for the other. To cup his face if allowed, and continue to help sell the act.]

I know you value your alone time, but if you need or want to, come to the cottage. We're prepared to house extras as needed.

[Puck allows it, meeting his gaze and smiling.] It was a fine diversion, yes. I'll remember that offer and use if I need to.

[Puck looks towards Loki's hand for a moment.] This isn't a bad position. Not suited for a dance, but not bad at all.

I'm glad you think so, and maybe not for a dance, but it is suited for brief kisses of parting.

[Totally going to sell it.]

TDM #7

Trying to relax

Re: Trying to relax

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wrap?

wrapped!