buttrinthum | 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

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.]

Of course.

[Puck leans forward and kisses Loki, smothering a laugh. Just two lovers saying goodbye to each other, nothing else going on at all.]

[Loki is likewise smiling into the kiss and holding in laughter. It is a pleasant indeed kiss, but kept short all told. Pulling back, and now Loki puts on his gloves.]

Stay warm, and safe, and until next time then.

[Puck sees him off with a wave and then heads back to his cottage.]

TDM #7

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wrap?

wrapped!