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

[At least she didn't be taking it personally.]

What? C'mon, that was funny.

[No, it wasn't, but she thinks it was. Leave her alone, she's 3.]

Right. Not funny. I'll have to try harder then.

[Noah never thinks she's funny either. It's okay.]

Yes, well you could say fighting is a bit of my speciality. Created to be a soldier and all that, and I can be quick on my feet. I did by the way. Come from the Garden. Got a bit of a run down, but didn't expect this.

[She glanced back at him. She had no idea who that was.]

Well, nice to meet you Loki! Asgard is....your world?

[See, has NO idea who you are.]

[Which is perfectly alright--not knowing who he was. It was actually a bit of a luxury here, as there were people who did know. Or knew of him at least. Or a version of him.]

Asgard is where I'm from, but it's not my whole world. It's one of nine realms that comprise Yggdrasil--often conceptualized as a tree, but it's a small galaxy. Part of the larger universe. You'll find people here from quite a few DIFFERENT universes.

Right. Got that too. About the different universes and all that.

[For a newcomer, she really was taking this surprisingly well.]

So, it's a galaxy comprised of nine realms. So like, nine planets or something else? And why is it conceptualized as a tree? That seems a bit odd, doesn't it?

"Planets, and the tree metaphor is mostly how those on Midgard--that is, Earth--conceptualized it."

[Loki's not that surprised honestly--you'd have to be quick to adapt here. Seemed like she'd be good at that, and he could approve.]

Oh! Earth! I know that one! Been there a couple times actually.

[She seemed happy to recognize something at least.]

But why would people on Earth think of it that way? Unless they still haven't discovered the existence of other planets and galaxies in your universe? Earlier time. Alternate reality. Well, suppose being from a universe already makes it an alternate reality in some way.

[Don't mind her, still talking but her teeth are starting to go back to chattering again. The coat really isn't enough without having the temperature resistance. Getting cold like this was not fun.]

Apparently there are lots of places called "Earth" in the various universes. And no, at the time we visited they had not. They have since, as a millenia has passed. It's still somewhat a backwater even now though.

[At least they're making quick progress and a steady pace. So long as they can avoid any snow angels, it won't take them long other than the blizzard slowing things. At least Loki knows the way.]

Well of course. Alternate universes do exist after all.

So you visited at first earlier in the time line, and the people got their own ideas then.

But from what you're saying, you're world is far more advanced with it's technological advances then Earth is within your universe and timeline, is that right? Pretty sure I'm following.

[Good thing too. Warmth couldn't come fast enough at this point.]

Most people aren't aware of alternate Universes. I had very little experience other than theory with them before arriving here. Midgard was, I believe, it it's 21st century by the most commonly used calendar on it.

[The path, when the blizzard isn't trying to obscure it, to the tavern has been pretty well used.]

I'm aware they can exist however I've never had much personal experience with them either until here. Would be fun to explore further though.

[At least she's familiar with the 21st century and it's current technological advances for the most part having been to earth during that time before and seen it.]

Ah, yeah. Not very advanced in the 21st century yet, are they. Only just starting to explore the stars in their galaxy if I remember right. Then again, still new to all the different worlds and exploring times. Got intimately familiar with the old west on Earth though. Not exactly as fun as I thought it would be.

You commonly travel then? Time and space.

[That last part was also a question, even if it wasn't obviously so from tone. They were making good time, on relatively clearer paths (as much as possible with a blizzard). The center of the city was visible easily.]

[Oh good, because FREEZING OVER HERE.]

Yeah, all the time. Could say I take after my dad with the traveling and all.

[Well, Loki was going to reply but the tavern was in-sight and he just hurried his pace towards it. They were at least keeping the door clear, and inside was warm enough and dry. Lit like any other Medieval Tavern, tables open--and a decent amount of people besides the staff. Likely those who'd been caught and were staying, or those who'd ventured out still for whatever reason.

Loki didn't much care, as he made sure his new companion was following him.]

[She was still following, but she had slowed considerably since they'd started, ad her shivering was only getting worse at this point, her teeth chattering. Being cold like this was awful. She'd pretty much keep her mouth shut until they'd made it inside the Tavern at this point, if only because she could see the end in sight, and the moment they did, she was tying to brush snow off herself quickly.]

R-right. D...don't think I like being cold much.

[She was already rubbing herself warm as best she could the moment they'd made it inside, keeping everything going. She would have to try an get her hands on some warm clothes until this all blew over. Aside from Loki's coat which was still being commandeered for the moment.]

Most people don't when they're not prepared for it.

[Loki was quickly finding a table, and insisting she sit.]

Stay there, get warm, I'll be right back.

[Heading to intercept staff or do the counter, whichever was easier. He would be swiftly back with two hot mugs of something drinkable.]

Hot food is coming too. Start with this. It might be alcoholic though, you've been warned.

Well, I'll just have to be prepared for it now that I know, now won't I.

[She was working to warm up as best she could, sitting at the table without too much argument for now. She could see the sense of it. When he returns with the hot mug, she looks at it.]

Um, what is this?

[She usually doesn't drink honestly. Water tends to be fine for her.]

Hot Cider, is that a problem?

[She didn't look underage, and Loki might not've cared even if she was.]

The goal right now, is to get you warmed up.

That's a fair point, though hot tea, water, non-alcoholic Hot Cider probably would have worked just as well to warm me up.

[Seriously has never touched alcohol before. Been in bars, taverns, and saloons, yes, but never actually drank anything alcoholic.]

Not really the liquor type usually since it tends to dull the sense, but I suppose if it'll get me warm at this point, I don't really have a whole lot of other options. Well, when in Rome, yeah?

[With that, she takes surprisingly large gulp of it, though doesn't show any signs of distaste for it either. For someone who's never had any, she's obviously not bothered by it either.]

Edited 2024-01-07 22:32 (UTC)

Yes, but this was what they had immediately on tap so to speak.

[She could easily get hot tea or something non-alcoholic ordered when the server brought their food.]

Right now I suspect your senses are plenty dulled from being out unprepared in a blizzard. Also, to reassure you, I have no intention of doing anything to you but trying to get you warmed up.

[Just in case that had been a concern too. Loki took a good gulp of his own drink as well.]

[She chuckles.]

I suppose so. Though I'm thinking making them duller doesn't tend to be the best of moves even if it's to warm up.

[She'll have to not have more then this probably.]

And I didn't get the impressions that was your goal seeing as you could have just left me out there if you'd so chosen to or taken advantage somewhere that wasn't warm and it likely would have been more effective seeing as the cold doesn't seem to affect you so much, but was obviously affecting me.

[Honestly though, she was feeling better already, and she does take another sip of the drink to keep warming up for the time being.]

Thanks for the help by the way. It was appreciated. So, I know why I got stuck out in the cold, so what were you doing out there? Granted, I did say just a moment ago that it doesn't seem to affect you, but I imagine the lack of an effect isn't the only reason someone would be out in a blizzard like that.

I'm rather used to the cold and dealing with it, so I've been doing most of the 'outside' errands for my household. And going out to stave off cabin fever besides. Comes in handy to help those who aren't prepared.

[Fortunately, their server arrived bearing two breadbowls with a hearty stew, along with spoons. Loki turned his attention to the server.]

Actually, if the owner has any spare coats for winter, along with gloves or scarves and hats, I'm willing to buy them from him if we can outfit my friend here.

[The server nodded, stating that they'd ask. If Jenny wanted to order anything, now would be the time.]

Well, I can't say I would normally be unprepared for the situation. Then again, I can't say I wouldn't be unprepared for certain situations. Life like throwing surprises, you know.

[Oh yeah, she'd take that opportunity to order a hot black tea quickly.]

Now, does the weather change this quickly often around here, or is this unusual. Just asking so I can be better prepared next time.

I couldn't honestly tell you, as I've only been here for about a month myself. I was warned winter was coming though by some of the people who've been here longer, so did what I could to prepare. The blizzard was unexpected for everyone, from what I can tell.

Well, that makes me feel better about the lack of preparation being a new arrival here and all. Can't always know everything about a world in such a short time.

What about those snow angels? Those new as well, or were they already here? Not that they were difficult to take down what with it only taking a snowball or four.

Again, I couldn't tell you. They're as new to me as to you. I do know those swords do hurt, and I've reason to believe they're enchanted too so don't get hit by one.

What have you been told so far, about your situation here?

Right. Well, from what I've been told thus far, I'd consider this place to be somewhat like a pocket dimension of some kind, but that's just putting clues of what I have been told together.

[She starts ticking off information on her fingers as she thinks.]

Let's see, aside from the usual note and such, this place is called Somnius. People are currently stuck here. I've heard about our gracious host of course. Something about I've made an agreement that I personally can't' remember making, that people apparently people can get pulled out of any time or place and also disappear, assuming back to their worlds or realities. That there seem to be a multitude of species here. That all of my things are gone, and that I'm basically the equivalent of a human with odd genetics here. That I've made a wish which our gracious host apparently intends to grant but have to stay here and there is no current way to get back, not so happy about that part. Something about a wide-spread invasion that happens every few months or so as well. Think that about sums it up so far.

[Okay, now that she's not cold, she babbled that off awfully fast. Hope you managed to catch all of that.]

TDM #7

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